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Catch the HERE Expert Community Program on Youtube channel now! The first HERE Expert Community Program video featuring the Singapore community in action is now LIVE! Find out what’s going in the hearts and minds of the community across the HERE Expert Community Program in Southeast Asia. For more information, ideas and activities, visit our HERE ECP SEA YouTube page and subscribe! Our first batch of videos come from the HERE Expert Community Singapore Team. Featuring HERE’s Singapore collaboration with Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Toa Payoh students and cross country collaboration with Sepuluh November Institute of Technology Surabaya, Indonesia. Also, catch a glimpse of our 2 Map Masters from Singapore! Watch below: Enjoy!! [embed]https://youtu.be/QGzx64wB8Bk[/embed]

Patrick Torres is our interviewee today! Visit him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janalfredpatricktorres and Instagram: https://instagram.com/patricktorres Enough dilly-dallying! Let’s get to the interview… ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- HERE: Who are you, where are you, and what do you do? Patrick: I’m Jan Alfred Patrick Torres and I’m from Balanga City Bataan, although for the longest time I’m based in Manila because of my studies and now for work. I’m currently working at Wizardsgroup Inc. as a Software Quality Assurance Tester. HERE: How did you become a HERE Map Master? Patrick: It all started during one of our Microsoft Student Partner sessions where the HERE representatives invited us to join a mapping contest exclusive for MSPs and as well as their newly established community in the Philippines. I contributed to the most number of edits in the Microsoft Student Partners edition of the Super Editor and in parallel to that, I was ranked #3 in the HERE Expert Community Philippines Badge Program in 2013 from then on I was named one of the HERE Map Masters for Southeast Asia and representing the Philippines together with 4 other Map Masters at that time. HERE: Do you have any suggestions or tips for wannabe-Map Masters or aspire to eventually become a HERE Map Master? Patrick: There’s only one thing a wannabe-Map Master should remember, “Explore”. Explore our country and discover new places and experience how beautiful the Philippines is. HERE: How were you introduced to the HERE Map and what was your first contribution? Patrick: I have already been using HERE Maps in my smartphone even before I knew about the community during one of our MSP sessions. This led me to do some edits as part of the Microsoft Student Partners edition as part of the Super Editor contest. HERE: Who has impressed you in the HERE Expert Community Program, and why? Patrick: Apart from the people behind HERE itself, one member impressed me when I first join the community. He is one of the major contributors during the early days of the HERE Expert Community and currently a Map Master, Mr. Neil Ross Goco Jr. It’s ironic because I first saw Neil Ross before I became a Microsoft Student Partner and at that instance, I have a hunch that he would be actively involved in communities and it really happened. HERE: What is your best experience so far being a Map Master and in the HERE Expert Community Program? Patrick: The HERE Appreciation Day is by far my best experience as a Map Master. This is where we were recognized for our contributions and got to know the community members more especially my co-Map Masters. HERE: What are some of the areas of improvement which you would like to see in the HERE Expert Community Program? Patrick: Locally, it would be fun if there were “special interest groups” that each community member can join whether the group focuses on cities, barangays, beaches, parks, malls, etc. Internationally, I would like to see all the Map Masters gather in one place and learning from each other’s experiences which would also be a way to boost the Map Master award! HERE: Final words/Your Motto as a Map Master Patrick: Nowadays, a digital map is not just for travelers only but for everyone. Each one of us has gone mobile and always on the move which is why HERE Maps could be an integral part of our every day journey. With the help of the HERE Expert Community, we could all enrich and make it a reflection of our journey through map edits. More travels, more edits, more fun! ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Very well said Patrick on your motto as a Map Master. Thanks for your amazing contributions to HERE too! Brought to you by the HERE Expert Community Program

Welcome to another installment of our blog series – Interview with a Map Master Today’s interview is with Fauzi Rachman. Visit his Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fauzi.rachman.50?fref=pb_other -——————————————————————————————————————————————————– HERE: Who are you, where are you, and what do you do? Fauzi: I am Fauzi Rachman and currently a student from the Faculty of Physics Engineering at Gadjah Mada University. HERE: How did you become a HERE Map Master? Fauzi: I was born in Tasikmalaya, West Java. When I started in the community, the map coverage was very little, so I contributed a lot of information through HERE Map Creator. I think this was one of the reason why I was nominated and awarded a Map Master due to my active contributions. HERE: Do you have any suggestion or tip for wannabe-Map Masters or aspire to eventually become a HERE Map Master? Fauzi: As a Map Master, we need to be very active. However, active doesn’t mean we need to contribute a lot, rather we need to have a good sense of ownership of our neighborhood. Once we noticed any updates/changes, we will add those changes/updates via HERE Map Creator and share our best practices with the rest. HERE: How were you introduced to the HERE Map and what was your first contribution? Fauzi: I use Windows Phones (formerly known as Nokia Phones), so I definitely know about HERE Map. My first contribution was on geometry and point of interest around Tasikmalaya. HERE: Do you participate in other mapping/community activities outside of the HERE Expert Community Program? If yes, please elaborate? Fauzi: I am a research student from the Faculty of Physics Engineering at Gadjah Mada University. This community is focused on doing research and development which is related to my major. HERE: Who has impressed you in the HERE Expert Community Program, and why? Fauzi: Map Master Sanggi Rizki Paisal. He often shares tips and tricks, photos and his experience in the data collection process for the HERE Expert Community Program via social media. HERE: What is your best experience so far being a Map Master and in the HERE Expert Community Program? Fauzi: Travelling to Jakarta last June was one of my best experience as I got to meet up with all the Map Masters in one place. HERE: What are some of the areas of improvement which you would like to see in the HERE Expert Community Program? Fauzi: Establishing a small local chapter of the HERE Expert Community program based on each region’s activity would be desirable. HERE: Final words/your motto as a Map Master? Fauzi: As a map master, one of the expectation is to be able to contribute more to the HERE Expert Community Program, and one of my target is to get more users to start contributing. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————– Well, thank you, Fauzi for the kind words! The HERE Expert Community Program thanks you for your dedication and your commitment is crucial for everyone! Brought to you by the HERE Expert Community Program

Microsoft introduces the most affordable Lumia smartphone in Singapore The Lumia 430 begins rollout on 9 May SINGAPORE — May 6, 2015 — Microsoft unlocked the promise of smartphone ownership for many more people with the introduction of Lumia 430 Dual SIM, the latest addition to its affordable range of Lumia smartphones. Built with the latest Windows Phone 8.1 software, a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor featuring a dual-core CPU running at 1.2GHz, and with Microsoft Office, Skype and OneDrive pre-loaded, the Lumia 430 Dual SIM was designed to help people achieve more at work, at play and on the go. With an estimated retail price of SGD119, it is also the most affordably priced Lumia that will be able to upgrade to Windows 10.¹ Microsoft continues to expand its affordable smartphone portfolio, which now spans a diverse range of price points and capabilities, from the super-affordable Lumia 435 with Lumia Camera to the recently announced Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, which come with a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal. People can have their choice of Lumia device to suit their everyday needs and budget. Windows Phone 8.1 devices like the Lumia 430 Dual SIM will benefit from further innovation, with the ability to upgrade them to Windows 10 when the service debuts later this year. The Lumia 430 Dual SIM features a compact, durable and colorful design with a vivid 4-inch WVGA display that brings all the latest apps, games and videos to life. With Lumia 430, people can instantly achieve more every day, and they can use Microsoft Office and Outlook for work and personal productivity. They can access up to 30GB² of free cloud storage on OneDrive for safekeeping important content. People can experience the fun of video calls with Skype-integrated calling and a front-facing camera. Smart Dual SIM allows people to assign unique profiles to their SIM cards, such as “work” or “family,” to help them better manage daily communication. Favorite apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Candy Crush Saga and Instagram are available, with more apps and entertainment just a click away on the Windows Phone Store. “Given the success of our affordable Lumia range, it is clear that people are looking for a smartphone that is good value for money, but still works smoothly and easily,” said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. “The Lumia 430 Dual SIM is optimized to bring price points even lower, while offering features that are capable of fulfilling the demands business and personal,” Howe said. The Lumia 430 Dual SIM will be available in Singapore at Microsoft Authorized Mobile Reseller in Funan DigitaLife Mall and GadgetWorld, 3Mobile and Handphoneshop outlets from 9 May, Saturday at a recommended retail price of SGD119. It will be available in two colors: bright orange and black. ...

First Microsoft Mobile Reseller Store opens in Singapore The launch of the First Microsoft Mobile Reseller (MMR) in Singapore at Funan DigitaLife Mall! This newly launched Microsoft Store will be the first in Singapore to offer an assortment of best-in-class Microsoft products, including Windows Phones, Feature Phones, Surface Pro 3, Xbox, Windows, Microsoft Office 365 and more. It will also offer an extensive line-up of Microsoft as well as third-party accessories to cater to different needs of Singaporean customers. The Microsoft Store will also have a Live Experience Table to showcase how consumers can truly enjoy seamless integration across multiple screens through Microsoft’s devices, apps and services. “The new store in Funan DigitalLifeMall is a big leap for our brand, and also signifies Microsoft’s commitment to the Singapore market,” said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. “We want to provide Singaporeans with an enriched retail experience whilst continually empowering them with our products.” In conjunction with the store’s grand opening on 2nd and 3rd May, Microsoft has a series of activities and promotions lined up including: ...

Lumia 640 and 640 XL Now Available in Singapore Increasing productivity, maintaining affordability – and upgradeable to Windows 10. It just got better! SINGAPORE – Microsoft last Thursday announced the availability of the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL in Singapore for only SGD299 and SGD429 respectively. The latest devices to join the Lumia portfolio, the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL offer more personal computing and increased productivity through seamlessly integrated Microsoft Office experiences, OneDrive¹ storage and fast 4G connectivity. Both devices will upgrade to and benefit from Windows 10 as it becomes available later this year². ...

Welcome to the first installment of our ‘Interview with a Map Master’ blog series. Today’s interview is with Christian Moscosa.(Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moscosa.tian?fref=ts) Now let’s get to the interview! ————————————————————————————————————————————————— HERE: Who are you, where are you, and what do you do? Christian: Hi, my name is Christian and I am a HERE Map Master from the Philippines. I am working as a junior consultant at Makati, loves programming, Quora.com, Travel and Planetshakers. HERE: How did you become a HERE Map Master? Christian: I really enjoy mapping with HERE maps. When HERE maps Philippines announced the very first HERE map masters after the results of our contribution, we were thrilled with the results and I’m glad to be part of it. HERE: Do you have any suggestions or tips for wannabe-Map Masters or aspire to eventually become a HERE Map Master? Christian: Being part of the HERE community is fun and exciting, especially when you contribute a place that more people can benefit from it. Being one of the HERE Map Master adds excitement for me and sharing the experience with my colleagues and friends is the amazing part. I encourage each and every one to look for the local HERE Maps on their places/country and start to contribute and be part of it. HERE: How were you introduced to the HERE Map and what was your first contribution? Christian: During the program at Microsoft Student Partner, HERE Philippines team first introduce to us the HERE Map. From there, I was captivated to contribute to HERE Map since I love using a map with my Windows Phone. My first edit was our house here at Cavite and it was exciting, I found out that our subdivision has this site development plan and that I can use to map each of the house numbers to our place. HERE: Who has impressed you in the HERE Expert Community Program, and why? Christian: Sir Lonel Labit, I admired his dedication to HERE map. I remember when he first show us the HERE map platform, adding roads and points of interest on it. We were thrilled and wanted to contribute to it at that moment. (FYI - Lonel Labit is our Project Manager in HERE Philippines) HERE: What is your best experience so far being a Map Master and in the HERE Expert Community Program? Christian: The HERE Appreciation day! I remember that day when I was able to meet up with the HERE Map masters from other region here at the Philippines. We shared some great time and also our insights and experiences. I was thrilled when the HERE Expert Community team demonstrated to us the advance tools, automotive car and technology that the team use to gather information and map data around the country. HERE: What are some of the areas of improvement which you would like to see in the HERE Expert Community Program? Christian: The HERE Expert Community Program in the Philippines is an awesome community and I love their office. One thing that comes to my mind is for the HERE Map Masters in Southeast Asia to come together at an event or a conference. That will be great! HERE: Final words/Your Motto as a Map Master Christian: This is for you, the one who loves to travel, the one who moves from places to places and navigating from point to point. HERE Maps helps you to locate, connect and navigate with those places and things seamlessly even without using internet or data. Here Map is awesome! —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Please join me in thanking Christian for the interview and community impact! Brought to you by the HERE Expert Community Program

Recently, Microsoft released Office Remote, a new Android app in the Play Store. Office Remote connects a PC to your Android Phone using Bluetooth, allowing you to control your Office documents over your phone. The app lets you control Word, Excel, and PowerPoint from across the room, so you can walk around freely during presentations. It also shows you your speaker notes and the presentation timer to help you present more effectively. ...

In the second part of this 3-part series on the Here Expert Community Program, we featured Indonesia and Malaysia and shared the amazing contributions the community has been cranking out. In an earlier post, we took a look at the Program in Singapore too. For today’s finale, we are proud to feature the ‘Land of Smiles’ and the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’. The Land of Smiles - Thailand……our story so far Thailand community membership almost trebled during 2014 and accounted for around 14% of edits in the South East Asia Region. HERE Thailand communities are widely distributed across Thailand - North (Chiangmai), North-eastern (Ubonratchathani), Central (Nokorn sawan), South (Chomphon) and lastly with Bangkok being the core center of the communities group. 80% of the Thailand communities are aged under 25 and are mostly developers, smartphone users, university students, travelers and techno geeks. In 2014-5, HERE awarded 7 top influencers in Thailand with the ‘Map Master’ title, recognizing their excellent contributions. We continue to work with the Map Masters to build our relationship and share ideas. Achievement In Thailand, the Map Creator tool is regarded by the communities as one of the most advanced technology tools for data contribution. There is a great sense of pride among the community in knowing that their contributions to HERE play a vital role in bringing the freshest and most updated map to everyone. We have established a strong working partnership with the universities and government units and are focused on providing top notch training to the communities on the usage of the Map creator tool. 2015 and beyond For 2015, we would like to invite more users to join the HERE Thailand Expert Community Program, participate actively in all our activities and campaigns and contribute to creating a more rich and complete map for Thailand. We are aiming that our community data will be used for the new generation of cars (autonomous cars) and the Thailand community will grow broadly and steadily with our HERE API development supported for integration into location-based service (LBS) applications. Contact: For more information about the HERE Thailand Expert Community Program, join https://www.facebook.com/groups/HEREExpertCommunityTH/ or contact thecpteam@here.com Cruising on to our last stop is the Philippines, better known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’. Our story so far Philippines community membership almost doubled during 2014 and accounted for around 6% of edits in the South East Asia region. HERE Philippines communities are distributed across the 3 regions of Philippines - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Philippines Communities are mostly engaged with university groups and government units. They have also partnered with one of the biggest telco leaders in the Philippines – SMART Communications, Inc for many map creator based training workshops and competitions. In 2014-5, HERE awarded 8 top influencers in the Philippines with the ‘Map Master’ title, recognizing their excellent contributions. We continue to work with the Map Masters to build our relationship and share ideas. Achievement In 2014, the HERE Philippines Expert Community partnered with SMART Communications to hold the first HERE Hackathon in Manila, showcasing the endless possibilities that innovative strategies can bring in a short period of time and how different mentalities brought together in a high-pressured environment can take innovation to another dimension. In addition to that, a five day training course ‘SWEEPx’ was conducted over five different cities in the Philippines to help university professors create their own mobile apps with the integration of the world’s best maps. 2015 and beyond For 2015, HERE Philippines will continue to pursue its main objective of building locals as experts in their hometowns and making the best map of the Philippines. Continuous engagement with universities and local government units for mapping activities is in the pipeline and there are plans to reach out to specific developer groups for sharing HERE APIs to create fun and useful apps. Contact For more information about the HERE Philippines Expert Community Program, join https://www.facebook.com/groups/HEREExpertCommunityPH/ or contact phecpteam@here.com That’s all folks! If you are keen to know more about the amazing works of the HERE Expert Community Program, do join our Facebook page today Indonesia | Malaysia | Singapore | Thailand | Philippines Till then, HERE Fans, keep mapping!

We’re adding a bit of fun to this year’s Imagine Cup 2015 Singapore Finals, happening this Saturday (4 April 9AM)! Now, you can take part in the Post-Event Xbox One Tournament! At the end of the Imagine Cup Singapore finals, there will be an Xbox One Tournament, featuring #IDARB, a chaotic 8-player eSport jumping future arena ball game! Take part in the tournament after the event and stand a chance to win a prize! Audience can take part too by hashbombing the game and changing the game live through Twitter. Remember to register for the event in order to take part in the #IDARB tournament. See you there and get your fingers ready!