Microsoft Inc. launches a social media contest, part of its "We Speak Code" programme in the Asia-Pacific region. — Photo courtesy of Microsoft

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Microsoft Inc. on February 10 announced that it will organise the "We Speak Code" programme in the Asia-Pacific region from March 23-29.

"We Speak Code" aims to encourage users to attempt coding through a series of activities and interactive courses. Microsoft will provide free courses and online materials to equip users with knowledge of basic programming.

The programme this year starts with a social media contest held on Instagram and Facebook from February 1 to March 31. Participants are invited to upload creative and interesting photos reflecting moments when they have tried teaching their family members, friends or colleagues to code.

The photos that receive the highest number of "likes" on the social networks will win the contest. All winners will be announced on April 15, 2015, at the contest site.

"We Speak Code," first held on April 21-27, is part of the Asia-Pacific Week of Code organised by Microsoft in cooperation with Code.org, a non-profit organisation dedicated to expanding participation in computer science. The Asia-Pacific region has a total population of nearly 3 billion and features some 2,000 languages. Therefore, the organisers expect to turn the language of programming into a common language in the region. — VNS