First Mapletree River Hong Bao hackathon unleashes young, enterprising talents

Singapore

MAPLETREE sponsored this year's River Hong Bao Hackathon which is the first of its kind in the 33-year history of the Chinese New Year event.

Mapletree started a publicity campaign with the Institutes of Higher Learning and received 29 submissions.

Mentoring workshops presented by Joanne Lee, Mapletree's retail head were conducted.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Education Chee Hong Tat attended the hackathon.

The top three winners sold their wares at RHB and the generating sales and profits will be donated to the charitable organisation of their choice.

Said Samuel Yap, a team leader from Republic Polytechnic, whose winning pitch was on terrariums for all seasons: "I have learnt much and it prepared me to have grit and creativity, especially when I have to gather my friends for eight days at the River Hong Bao carnival. We had to sacrifice our CNY including reunion dinners but it was worth it and every sweat!"

For Heetesh Alwani, who was part of the NTU Binjai Brew, their strategy changed along the way in order to attract the crowd: "We were at first looking at a Winners Board but that was modified due to the hype of the crowd each night. We were also fortunate that each night various VIPs dropped by, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Chan Chun Sing and Minister Ong Ye Kung.

"We are grateful to Mapletree for nurturing and facilitating as well as to Mr Ang Wee Neng, River HongBao chairman. Although it was a tough grind, we are grateful to test out our various marketing strategies."

The third team was a duet by Audrey and Zong Yue from Singapore Polytechnic, whose merchandise was denim jackets with add-ons from PewPew. "I had to rope in my mum and the entire atmosphere was fascinating. Joanna and the Mapletree team hastened the learning curve and I am glad for that!"