The need for skilled professionals in the technology sector has never been more urgent. With tech innovations rapidly reshaping the global landscape, it is imperative that young people are equipped with the skills to navigate this ever-evolving environment. The Coding Camp 2025, a collaborative effort between DBS Foundation and Dicoding, emerges as a vital initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of digital talent in Indonesia. 2 Redeem Codes for HOK on November 17, 2024 ~ Get 8 Exciting Items for Free
The vision of this program is clear: to provide high-quality, structured learning that prepares students for successful careers in technology companies and startups. Since its inception, Coding Camp has attracted the attention of students from various levels of education, including university students and high school vocational students (SMK). In its quest to promote an inclusive digital ecosystem, Coding Camp has not only trained thousands of individuals but also empowered vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.
The Genesis of Coding Camp: A Commitment to Social Impact
In 2023, DBS Bank announced a significant investment of SGD 1 billion over the next decade, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities and increasing social impact. This initiative is part of the bank's broader commitment to creating a more inclusive society. The Coding Camp, powered by DBS Foundation, is one of the key programs within this effort. Launched with an initial SGD 100 million in 2024, the program aims to address the growing need for digital literacy and to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding tech industry.
Since its launch, the program has trained over 114,000 participants, with 56% of them coming from higher education and vocational schools. Among these, 17,000 participants were students from diploma programs and vocational high schools, representing the growing importance of vocational education in the digital sector. Through this initiative, Coding Camp has successfully empowered individuals from vulnerable backgrounds, providing them with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.
Coding Camp 2025: A New Era of Digital Talent Development
The Coding Camp 2025 program builds upon the success of its previous iterations. With an overwhelming number of applicants in the past years, the program has expanded its reach, targeting university students, high school students, as well as diploma program students (D3 and D4). The program aims to train 6,000 young talents who will contribute to Indonesia's digital ecosystem and beyond.
Participants in Coding Camp 2025 will undergo more than 900 hours of structured technology training over the course of one semester, starting in early 2025. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive set of skills that are essential in the tech industry. Participants will not only gain technical expertise but also soft skills in areas such as communication, networking, personal branding, and job interview preparation. The program also includes courses in English and financial literacy, covering topics like personal finance, investment, and wealth management.
The program offers two learning tracks for participants to choose from: Front-End & Back-End Development or Machine Learning. Both tracks are aligned with the top 10 most in-demand jobs listed by LinkedIn, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for high-paying roles in the tech sector.
In the Front-End & Back-End Development track, participants will learn web development from both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side) perspectives. This training equips them with the skills to pursue roles such as Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, or Fullstack Developer, all of which are among the most sought-after positions in the industry.
On the other hand, the Machine Learning track focuses on data, machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI, offering participants a chance to become AI/Machine Learning Engineers—professionals who are highly in demand as businesses increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to drive innovation.
Empowering Vulnerable Groups and Promoting Inclusivity
A standout feature of Coding Camp is its commitment to inclusivity. The program actively encourages students from vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, women, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, to apply. By promoting equal opportunities, Coding Camp helps bridge the digital divide and empowers a diverse range of individuals to pursue careers in technology.
Mona Monika, Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia, emphasized the importance of this initiative in expanding access to digital literacy. "Coding Camp is an initiative of DBS Foundation that aims to widen access to digital literacy for students across Indonesia. Through this program, we hope to empower the younger generation with relevant and employable digital skills," she stated.
This initiative also plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive society. According to Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, S.T., M.T., Director of Vocational Higher Education Academic Affairs, "The mastery of information technology is essential for students from all fields of study. We believe that Coding Camp will produce highly competitive vocational graduates who possess the skills needed for the future."
Success Stories: The Impact of Coding Camp
The success of the Coding Camp program is best illustrated through the stories of its graduates. In its almost two years of operation, Coding Camp has already trained 26,000 women, 946 people with disabilities, and over 22,000 participants from low-income families. These figures highlight the program's profound impact on empowering underserved communities.
One notable success story is that of Hani Amany Elisadi, a 24-year-old graduate from Coding Camp who is a hearing-impaired woman. Despite her communication challenges, Hani's determination to learn and improve her skills led to her securing a position as an IT staff member at Perum Peruri. "Learning at Coding Camp, facilitated by DBS Foundation, gave me additional Front-End skills, which opened the door for a promising career," Hani said.
Another inspiring story comes from Mohamad Aji Hermansya, a 21-year-old graduate who is currently studying Software Engineering Technology at Politeknik Negeri Banyuwangi. Aji's innovation, Puspa Daya, an app designed to monitor infant nutrition status, was inspired by his concern for the high rates of stunting in his hometown of Banyuwangi, East Java. The app was later funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and supported by The University of Sydney. "The learning experience at Coding Camp broadened my knowledge in Front-End development and boosted my confidence to build Puspa Daya," Aji shared.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Talent in Indonesia
With the opening of registrations for Coding Camp 2025, the program is set to provide structured training to 6,000 aspiring digital talents across Indonesia. By focusing on high-demand skills in technology and offering a comprehensive curriculum, Coding Camp is paving the way for a new generation of tech professionals who will be ready to take on the challenges of the digital age.
In the years to come, the program will continue to shape the future of Indonesia’s tech industry, producing skilled professionals who will contribute to the local ecosystem and become global innovators. As technology continues to play an increasingly central role in the global economy, initiatives like Coding Camp are essential in ensuring that no one is left behind in the race to digital transformation.
By nurturing diverse talent and providing inclusive, accessible learning opportunities, Coding Camp is not just about teaching technical skills—it's about empowering individuals to build a brighter, more inclusive future. As we look toward the future, Coding Camp stands as a beacon of hope for Indonesia's digital talent, opening doors to endless opportunities for all who are ready to take the leap into the world of technology.
