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Huawei has opened a new developer lab in Singapore that will offer software development resources to those who are creating mobile applications for Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), their alternative to Google Mobile Services.
HMS was created in the wake of the US ban on Huawei in 2019, prompting Google to isolate the Chinese tech giant from the Android ecosystem. It is currently used by 700 million users in more than 170 countries.
Called Digix, the lab is equipped with various tools that can be used to create mobile applications infused with artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and other capabilities. The tools are also available online, allowing developers across the region to make use of the resources virtually.
“Digix’s new lab in Singapore serves as a comprehensive innovation hub that provides developers in the region with the tools they need to be successful,” said Nicholas Ma, CEO of Huawei International.
“With Singapore a burgeoning hub in Asia-Pacific, Huawei will continue to strengthen our collaboration with local partners and institutions to cultivate and nurture a resilient and evolving pool of technology talents,” he added.
Interest in Huawei’s mobile platform is brewing, fueled by the growing popularity of its smartphones in the region. Huawei expanded its regional HMS team three times last year, which saw a 143% increase in the number of newly registered Huawei developers in Singapore alone.
So far, more than 90% of Singapore’s top apps, including the Grab super app and the TraceTogether contact tracker app, have been integrated with HMS Core and are available from Huawei’s AppGallery app store.
Building developer support is crucial for Huawei’s mobile platform to gain critical mass of users, which is why it has been actively courting budding developers through partnerships with local institutions such as Republic Polytechnic and Singapore University of Social Sciences.
This year, the company will introduce three community developer programs in Asia-Pacific that are aimed at both students and expert developers, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to excel in mobile app development.
In Singapore, Huawei will also partner with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to provide online training courses, as well as certifications for local tech talents, to hone their skills in Android application development and master the capabilities of HMS Core.
According to Canalys, Huawei ranked third globally in total smartphone shipments last year, behind Apple and Samsung. This was despite its slide to sixth position in the fourth quarter of 2020 as a result of US sanctions.
