ICT Awards 2007 lifts industry's international reputation
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    Applications opened today (June 14) for the annual mega event of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, the Hong Kong ICT Awards.

     The awards, established last year, are to recognise and promote the outstanding achievements of local ICT professionals and organisations.

     Supported by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the setting up of the Hong Kong ICT Awards was a collaborative effort among industry support organisations, ICT professional bodies, academia and the Government to brand a large-scale and internationally recognised ICT awards of Hong Kong.

     The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Howard Dickson, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2007, said the event highlighted the excellent achievements in the local ICT development. "The awards help to uplift Hong Kong's image to a more reputable and international level," Mr Dickson said.

     "The response to the first Hong Kong ICT Awards in 2006 was overwhelming with more than 300 entries."

     "The subsequent success of some of the winners in international award schemes bears testimony to the quality of the Hong Kong ICT Awards. From the industry's support and feedback so far, this year's awards are poised to receive even more and better quality entries," Mr Dickson said.

     The Hong Kong ICT Awards 2007 is organised by seven local organisations. It comprises seven categories in Hong Kong's priority ICT areas - Best Business Award, Best Digital Entertainment Award, Best Digital Inclusion Award, Best Innovation and Research Award, Best Lifestyle Award, Best Public Service Application Award, and Best Ubiquitous Networking Award.

     Each of the seven award categories will be arranged by a relevant organisation.  The organisations are:

- Hong Kong Computer Society: Best Business Award
- Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association: Best Digital Entertainment Award
- The Hong Kong Council of Social Service: Best Digital Inclusion Award
- Internet Professional Association: Best Innovation and Research Award
- Hong Kong Information Technology Federation: Best Lifestyle Award
- The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers - IT Division: Best Public Service Application Award
- Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association: Best Ubiquitous Networking Award

     There will be one Grand Award in each category and the Grand Judging Panel will select an "Award of the Year" from the seven Grand Awards.

     Applications for the awards are open to August 23.  After completion of the assessment and judging procedures, an award presentation ceremony will be held in early 2008.

     Further information is available at the following website: www.hkictawards.hk. Enquiries can be made to the Secretariat Office of the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2007 on telephone 2788 5669.

Ends/Thursday, June 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:01

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