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Applications for the annual Hong Kong ICT Awards 2008, which recognise and promote outstanding achievements of local information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and organisations, are open today (July 22).
Introduced in 2006, the awards are a collaborative effort among ICT industry organisations, professional bodies, academia and the Government to organise a large-scale and internationally recognised ICT event in Hong Kong.
The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Jeremy Godfrey, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2008, said, "The Government's continuing support of the Hong Kong ICT Awards in 2008 demonstrates our commitment to recognise and celebrate achievements in innovation and application of ICT in Hong Kong.
"The Hong Kong ICT Awards provide the best platform for industry practitioners who are dedicated to achieving excellence in Hong Kong and on a global stage. The awards celebrate the excellence of our winners and help them go on to achieve global success," Mr Godfrey said, adding that in the past two years, some award winners have achieved additional success in prestigious international award schemes.
Noting that overwhelming responses were received in the past two years with more than 300 entries in each year, Mr Godfrey said the Organising Committee is confident that there will be a similarly high level of participation this year.
The Hong Kong ICT Awards 2008 comprise eight categories in Hong Kong's priority ICT areas. Sponsored by the Government, each category is led by a professional organisation, namely:
Best Business Award: Hong Kong Computer Society;
Best Digital Entertainment Award: Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association;
Best Digital Inclusion Award: Hong Kong Council of Social Service;
Best Innovation & Research Award: Internet Professional Association;
Best Lifestyle Award: Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council;
Best Professional Development Award: British Computer Society (HK Section);
Best Public Service Application Award: Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (IT Division); and
Best Ubiquitous Networking Award: Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association
There will be a Grand Award in each category and a grand judging panel will select an Award of the Year from the eight Grand Awards.
Applications for the awards are open until September 30, 2008. An award presentation ceremony will be held in early 2009.
Further information is available at www.hkictawards.hk. Enquiries can be made to the secretariat office of the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2008 at 2788 6304.
Ends/Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:00
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