The 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 are underway, and Samsung Electronics has been demonstrating its commitment as a Prestige Partner of the Games by providing sophisticated and stylish technology for the high definition delivery of the action.
"We consider sports sponsorship as a vital communication tool for helping people better understand Samsung’s corporate philosophy and values," said Mr. Gyehyun Kwon, Vice President and Head of Worldwide Sport Marketing and Global Communications of Samsung Electronics. "We strive to improve human society through the application of digital technology, and we believe that competitive sports is an avenue which inspires people everywhere and leads to a global spirit of solidity," continued Mr. Kwon.
Along with its strong support for the Asian Games, Samsung has also been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1988, eventually becoming the worldwide partner in the wireless communications equipment category for the Nagano Olympic Winter Games in 1998. This sponsorship continued through the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, and is confirmed for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Among its contributions as an Olympic sponsor, Samsung has provided approximately 80,000 units of wireless communications equipment. In particular, the Wireless Olympics Works – the wireless information access system that provides Olympic officials and VIPs with up-to-the-minute information – played a vital role in guaranteeing the success of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
Similarly, as a Prestige Partner of the 15th Asian Games, Samsung is providing over 8,000 products to help run the Asian Games. These products range from the LCD TVs displayed throughout Asian Games venues and mobile phones for
organizers, to the washing machines and microwaves used by athletes staying in Doha. Along with product contributions, Samsung has also organized events and spectator attractions such as the Digital Gallery at ASPIRE where fans can explore the latest cutting-edge technology.
Samsung will also have the honour of selecting the Asian Games' Most Valuable Player (MVP) by awarding the most deserving athlete with the Samsung MVP Award, continuing a tradition it started in Bangkok in 1998 of honouring athletes who strive for excellence, competition and unity. The MVP award ceremony will form part of the Closing Ceremony, and will be presented to one MVP and four finalists who will be selected by a distinguished committee and an accredited media poll.
“Samsung is looking forward to a successful Asian Games in Doha,” said Mr. Kwon. “We will continue using noble events such as the Asian Games and Olympic Games to communicate our corporate philosophy of unity and passion for excellence.”
Samsung also supports a number of international sporting organisations and events, in the process adding value to the sponsorship through the application of its digital wireless technology, essential for the successful management of the modern sports events such as football, golf, horse riding and Taekwondo.
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About Samsung and Sports Sponsorship
For almost 20 years, Samsung has been a dedicated supporter of major sporting events across Asia and the world. Samsung is a long-time supporter of the Asian Games, beginning as a local sponsor of the Seoul 1986 Asian Games and continuing as a local sponsor for the Hiroshima 1994 Asian Games. Samsung's full commitment to the Asian Games started from 1998 participating as an official partner of the Bangkok Asian Games and as a multi-category sponsor in the Busan Asian Games in 2002.
Samsung highlights sports sponsorship as a platform to raise brand awareness and build a reputation for excellence in corporate citizenship. Samsung's extensive support of sports,
including the Asian Games, is based on its corporate values that celebrate peace, encourage friendly competition and promote unity among people of all cultures.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
