[Report] "I Grew as a 'T-shaped Talent' at Pohang Apple School"

Apple Collaborates with POSTECH to Nurture Next-Generation Talent
9-Month Program Completion... Learning Collaboration and Communication
Showcasing Self-Developed Apps in Graduation Project Exhibition

"It is an application where you can take four-cut photos anytime and anywhere with my favorite idol." "It is a service that helps you finish reading a book within the desired period."

A graduate of the 3rd class of the Apple Developer Academy is introducing the REPOZ application, which allows users to enjoy exercise and games using Vision Pro. Provided by Apple

On the 5th, the third batch of graduates from the Apple Developer Academy held an exhibition of their 'graduation projects' after completing a nine-month training course. The Developer Academy is an educational program run by Apple since 2013 to nurture the next generation of talent, and this year marks its third year in Korea. Anyone dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur, developer, or designer can participate regardless of age, major, or region. [Related article = There is an 'Apple School' in Pohang... "Monthly 1 million won, MacBook and iPhone also provided"]

On this day, at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) located in Nam-gu, Pohang, a presentation was held where 196 graduates formed 37 teams to showcase the apps they developed. Each team coordinated their outfits and accessories and were fully engaged in presenting the apps they created. Ideas that solve everyday problems stood out, such as 'FrameMeet,' which creates natural composite photos using pictures of favorite celebrities; 'EveryWay,' a map app that helps wheelchair users move safely; and 'Hanip Reading,' which helps users finish books by setting daily reading quotas without pressure. The app 'REPOZ,' utilizing Vision Pro, allowed users to enjoy games in virtual reality while stretching their neck, arms, and other body parts. The apps unveiled that day were developed exclusively for Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro, and are available for free download on the App Store.

Lee Jin-hong, a university student who participated in developing the EveryWay app, said, "We collaborated with POSCO Humans and the Pohang Disabled Independence Center to interview wheelchair users and focused on exploring what solutions they needed." He personally borrowed a wheelchair and toured the entire POSTECH campus, meticulously identifying not only street information but also ground slopes, hazardous obstacles, and facilities for the disabled.

Apple Developer Academy graduates who developed the navigation app "EveryWay" for the safe mobility of wheelchair users. Photo by Apple

Through this process, the graduates said they were able to grow into 'T-shaped talents.' A T-shaped talent refers to a person who possesses deep knowledge in one field as well as broad knowledge in related fields. The unique atmosphere of the Developer Academy, where communication and collaboration are emphasized rather than performance-based or ranking competition, also played a role. To maintain a learning attitude, they call each other 'Learners.'

Learners from diverse backgrounds and majors voluntarily formed small study groups to share their knowledge and know-how and to fill in their gaps. Additionally, after completing each project, they reflected on the process and openly discussed with team members what needed to be improved for mutual growth. Although the graduates ranged in age from their 20s to 50s, they communicated freely without hierarchy, calling each other by their English names.

Kim Min-kyung, who worked as an elementary school teacher for seven years, graduated from the academy last year and has been active as a mentor this year. She said, "Even without any experience in the IT field, I was able to take on challenges to solve social problems together with the learners," adding, "The Developer Academy, where we learn and grow together, is also an attractive place for educators." Kim Je-pil, a first batch graduate and CEO of the AI robot startup 'AidAll,' recalled, "In the field, if you cannot monetize, it is considered a failure, but at the academy, it was a valuable time where I could try various things without fear of failure."