Outstanding achievements celebrated by Hong Kong ICT Awards (with photos)
************************************************************

     The Hong Kong ICT Awards 2016 awards presentation ceremony tonight (April 11) celebrated the outstanding achievements of the local information and communications technology (ICT) sector and officially launched the International IT Fest 2016.

     Organised with the collaborative efforts of the industry, academia and the Government, the ICT Awards marked its 10th anniversary this year with a record total of 1 172 entries competing for the eight Grand Awards.

     Holistic Technology Company Ltd (SoldEazy Online Business Management System) was selected as the Award of the Year among the eight Grand Awards, receiving the highest accolade from the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, presented the Grand Awards to the winners of the eight award categories.

     To foster the development of Hong Kong into a financial technology (FinTech) hub and promote new modes of business operation for the financial sector, a new award category, Best FinTech Award, was introduced this year to encourage the development of FinTech solutions, such as payment solutions or clearing and settlement systems.

     The winners in the eight categories are as follows:

1. Best Business Solution Grand Award:
Holistic Technology Company Ltd (SoldEazy Online Business Management System)

2. Best Digital Entertainment Grand Award:
Skytree Digital Ltd (Hachi Hachi)

3. Best FinTech Grand Award:
The Bank of East Asia Ltd (Digital Branch)

4. Best ICT Startup Grand Award:
Metas Hong Kong Ltd

5. Best Lifestyle Grand Award:
Baptist Rainbow Primary School/Big Dipper Studio Ltd (Rainbow SHOW Rewards Program: "Rainbow Ranger")

6. Best Mobile Apps Grand Award:
Crozz Ltd (Storellet - Loyalty Platform)

7. Best Smart Hong Kong Award:
Well Being Digital Ltd (Dynamic Real Time Heart Rate Measurement Technology using photoplethysmography (ActivHearts)

8. Best Student Invention Grand Award:
Chan Chun-ki, Chan Siu-wui and Lam Tsz-ki of Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau College (Smart Guide Path)

     To recognise passion and innovation in helping disadvantaged groups in the community, the Grand Judging Panel of the Awards presented Smart Guide Path with a specially created award, the Special Award for Community, to commend the three student inventors for their contribution to society via technology.

     The Hong Kong ICT Awards aims to encourage innovation and excellence among Hong Kong's ICT talents and enterprises. Over the years, the Awards have served as a springboard for local ICT innovators to get into the market and earn regional and international recognition.

     The International IT Fest 2016 will last until April 23. Featuring over 40 ICT events, the IT Fest showcases Hong Kong's achievements and latest developments in ICT as well as reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an ICT hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

     Detailed information about the winners and the eight award categories are available on the website of the Hong Kong ICT Awards (www.hkictawards.hk).

     More information about the International IT Fest 2016 is available at www.itfest.hk.

Ends/Monday, April 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:23

NNNN