In this month’s article I would like to highlight a place of interest for all hackers and non-hackers out there to check out. What do you think of when you hear the word hacker? Do you consider yourself a hacker? Or does a hacker have to have goofy hair, a pair of thick glasses and beard to be considered a hacker.
The word hacker usually refers to computer savvy people who like to break into computers, programs and codes. However, ‘hacker’ can also mean someone who alters something in order to use it for a different purpose. For example, there is a whole community of ‘Ikea hackers’ who reuse Ikea furniture in creative and amazing ways (http://www.ikeahackers.net/).
Back to our topic, Hackerspace (www.hackerspace.org) is an international online community unifying all Hackerspaces (physical spaces) around the world. There are currently 429 spaces listed and Cambodia contributes 2 of them, Phnom Penh and Kampot. The space is open to everyone who wants to contribute and learn with the same interest group. There are ground rules for participants and a membership fee to keep the space running but there are also public events, workshops and meetings that you can join for free. For example, the Khmer Young Entrepreneurs Meeting is for those who are interested in learning business, Share Vision Open Tech Talk is an event hosted for software developers. Most projects or meetings relate to technology, computers and science. To find out more about the story of Hackerspace, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackerspace.
It’s also great to just come to Hackerspace and meet new friends. I experienced a great diversity of people with different sets of skills, working together, focused on similar interests to build projects for the space. My first day at HackerspacePP happened to be Thursday night which is project night. After sitting in the meeting for a few minutes and listening to ideas and contributing ideas, I felt like we were superheroes combining forces. I hope your experience at the space is as great. Visit http://www.hackerspacepp.org to get more info and find out about events.
I think Hackerspace’s function is very important for peer learning in society. If you are home alone and cannot work out a great project by yourself, why not bring it to the Space? You will have more chances to meet people who share the same interest and want to get involved and can inspire you in new directions.
