ICT awards: Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Francis Ho (fourth from right) and other guests officiate at the launch ceremony for the first Hong Kong Information & Communication Technology Awards.

The first Information & Communication Technology Awards have been launched to recognise and promote the outstanding achievements of local information and communication technology professionals and organisations.

Supported by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and organised by six local industry associations, the awards comprise seven categories - digital entertainment, digital inclusion, eBusiness, eGovernment, eLearning, eYouth, and wireless technology.

Speaking at the awards' launch ceremony today, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology (Communications and Technology) Francis Ho said the Government was committed to promoting a vibrant, competitive and innovation-driven ICT industry in Hong Kong.

Each of the seven award categories will be organised by an industry-related organisation. The organisations are:

* Hong Kong Computer Society (for eBusiness and eLearning categories)

* Hong Kong Council of Social Service (for digital inclusion category)

* Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (for digital entertainment category)

* Hong Kong Institution of Engineers-IT Division (for eGovernment category)

* Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (for wireless technology category) and

* Internet Professional Association (for eYouth category)

There will be one Grand Award in each award category and an "Award of the Year" will be selected among the seven Grand Awards.

The awards are now open for entries until June 16. An award presentation ceremony will be held at the end of 2006.