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Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) announced the results of “The Outstanding ICT Women Awards 2020” (OICTWA 2020) and held the Awards Presentation Ceremony in ZOOM format today. Mr. Alfred Sit, JP, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was invited as the officiating guest of the ceremony.
OICTWA 2020 is an initiative by HKCS FACE Club to honour female practitioners in the ICT sector who have made significant achievements and contributed to the industry in Hong Kong and the community at large. The awards were consisting of three categories: ‘Outstanding ICT Women Professional Award’, ‘Outstanding ICT Women Entrepreneur Award’ and ‘Outstanding ICT Rising Star Award’.
OICTWA 2020 Awardees List is as follows:
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Alfred Sit, JP, said, “The adoption of information technology (IT) enables individuals, organisations and the community at large to continue operation under the pandemic, minimising the disruptions brought to the economy and people's daily lives. It also assists different sectors to blaze a trail and ride out difficult times. The key to all these is the dedication of the information and communications technology professionals. Congratulations to all awardees! Your success is a role model to women who wish to join the IT sector and will definitely inspire more young women to pursue a career in innovation and technology, heralding a new chapter for I&T development in Hong Kong.”
Mr. Ted Suen, President of HKCS said: "OICTWA is Hong Kong’s first award to commend outstanding female ICT practitioners, and it was organized by FACE Club for the first time back in 2015. HKCS is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and OICTWA 2020 is one of the key events. I am very pleased to see many female leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Hong Kong's ICT sector, received praise in this Award. I am also very glad to meet two Outstanding ICT Rising Star Award awardees of the ICT industry. They have chosen to exert their talents in the IT sector, which I believe would be able to provide new impetus to Hong Kong's future ICT development.”
Mr. Ted Suen continued: "Hong Kong has positioned itself to become a financial, transportation, and innovation and technology centre in the Greater Bay Area. Many industries have been stepping up their ICT capacity to boost productivity and competitiveness, and the advent of 5G and smart living technologies are also heating up the demand for ICT talents. However, Hong Kong has always lacked an abundant pool of ICT talent, which may lead to short supply for some sectors. To meet the rising demand, HKCS places strong emphasis on talent cultivation. I hope that OICTWA 2020 can encourage more young females in Hong Kong to join this growing industry, so we can together create a better world with technology”.
Professor Nancy Ip, BBS, MH, JP, Chairperson of Judging Panel of OICTWA 2020 said: “OICTWA 2020 plays a vital role in recognising and celebrating the contributions to ICT development by women in Hong Kong. The awards also serve to remind us that the key ingredients for success are talent and perseverance, and that opportunities in the ICT sector are open and available to everyone, irrespective of gender. This year’s pool of candidates have comprised remarkable women whose dedicated efforts in ICT are driving innovation across numerous industries in Hong Kong. Our panel of judges have been significantly impressed by each of their accomplishments.”
Ms. Christine Yau, Chairperson of HKCS FACE Club said: “I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees of the three categories of OICTWA 2020. All awardees were subject to panel assessments and interviews. It was not meant to be a competition. Instead, the awards were designed to recognise female practitioners for their contributions to the ICT industry. I believe all the awardees this year truly deserve the honor of the award.”
Mrs. Agnes Mak, MH, JP, Chairperson of the OICTWA 2020 Organising Committee said: “In view of the level of popularity penetration of ICT applications from various industries, a new category ‘Outstanding ICT Women Entrepreneur Award’ is introduced to recognise lady entrepreneurs who have been innovative in using ICT or using innovative application to bring the success of their companies to higher level. It well deserves in adding to the two already established categories, ‘Outstanding ICT Women Professional Award’ and ‘Outstanding ICT Rising Star Award’.”
“This year we had received encouraging number of entries that reflects the creditability hard earned across the years. The OICTWA aims to rectify the general misperception of the gender bias that men are more suitable for ICT career. In fact, it is equally suitable for both genders and the Award is an effective way of empowering the engagement and inclusion of women in all aspects of ICT. All awardees have earned a reputation as an esteemed thought-leader and be recognised as a role model and mentor to other aspiring female. I urge the awardees to be the ambassador of women in ICT!” Added Mrs. Mak.
