Pakistan bags 7 awards out of 25 total categories; Hong Kong to host next APICTA awards in 2023
Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
The 21st Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Award concluded on a high note highlighting the potential of Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) industry, talent, startup eco-system, and its scope of exports to the new markets.
The 5-day event concluded after a series of activities including the presentation of products, judging sessions, business matchmaking, startup sessions, and cultural shows.
Overall, the winners have been conferred awards in 25 categories each including a winner and two merit awards.
On the occasion, Minister for IT and Telecommunications Syed Aminul Haque was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He said he was delighted to see the success of the event.
“Pakistan has been privileged to host APICTA Awards for the first time in history which has been possible due to the unwavering commitment of the ministry and untiring efforts of the local IT companies under the umbrella of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). We ensured that the start of the event happens from the Prime Minister’s house to give it the right mileage and coverage for a strong impact,” he said.
Aminul Haq further elaborated on how hosting over 160 delegates was an ambitious task, and how all stakeholders including the ministry and its associated departments; Tech Destination Pakistan, Ignite, APICTA and P@SHA, accomplished a tremendous job to record history in the country.
Chairman APICTA, Stan Singh said, “Most of the foreign delegates visited Pakistan for the first time and they have now become ambassadors of Pakistan for promoting its soft image in their economies.” He added that the spirit of APICTA is to promote collaboration, partnership, business activities, and knowledge exchange among economies, to ultimately uplift the standard of the IT industry in the region.
Out of 25 categories, Pakistan was declared the winner in seven categories, Hong Kong and Thailand each won six winner awards; Brunei was declared the winner in 2 categories; China, Australia, and Sri Lanka won, one winner award each. Besides the winner (Gold), two merit awards were given in each category.
For the finale’, Hong Kong announced it’s winning the bid to be the host for APICTA 2023. Advisory Judge APICTA 2022, Senior Advisor PricewaterhouseCoopers & Secretary General (Honorary) Hong Kong Computer Society, Stephen Lau took the stage to formally announce and introduce Hong Kong economy as the next host.
