SINGAPORE -- The search is on for 'killer' mobile applications that will revolutionise the mobile industry across Asia. The Asia Java Mobile Challenge aims to find application development talents and their outstanding content. This initiative is spearheaded by SingTel, Sun Microsystems and SingTel Optus, together with SingTel's regional partners AIS, Bharti, Globe Telecom and Telkomsel. This competition invites application developers around the world to come forward with innovative applications for mobile phones using Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME), the de facto computing language adopted for writing wireless programmes for mobile phones. Mr Lucas Chow, Chief Executive Officer of SingTel Mobile, said: "The Asia Java Mobile Challenge provides a platform for SingTel, Optus and our regional associates to offer fresh and innovative mobile services to our combined customer base of more than 22 million across the region." To encourage creativity, the contest has no fixed category. Applications relating to lifestyle and entertainment, business, finance and information, as well as games will all be welcome. The Challenge will run for two months from 17 June to 16 August 2002. Ideas from 20 shortlisted finalists will be put through the test via a public trial, open to mobile customers of SingTel and its regional partners. The evaluation criteria include: number of downloads for application during the trial, appeal, quality, usability, ease of deployment and commercial potential. Selected winners will be awarded business contracts with the six participating regional mobile operators. The Asia Java Mobile Challenge is supported by industry heavyweights, Motorola, Nokia, Siemens and SonyEricsson. SingTel