2024-2025 Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme Awards Presentation Ceremony Successfully Concluded

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Record-High Number of Awardees Drives a Digitally Inclusive Society

, /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024-2025 Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme, organised by Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), co-organised by the Digital Policy Office, and with the Equal Opportunities Commission as Independent Advisor, held its awards presentation ceremony today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Scheme aims to promote digital inclusion, ensuring equal access to digital services for all members of society. With enthusiastic participation from enterprises across various sectors and robust support from multiple stakeholders, the Scheme achieved remarkable success, recording significant growth in both participation and awards, advancing the vision of a digitally inclusive society.

This year's Scheme received an overwhelming response, reflecting growing societal emphasis on digital accessibility. A record-breaking number of awards were presented, including 439 and 102 for websites and mobile applications respectively. Notably, the newly introduced "Elderly-friendly Award" was conferred upon 119 websites and mobile applications, addressing the needs of an ageing population and fostering a more inclusive digital environment. Among industries, the transportation sector, media sectors and public services stood out with participation and awards showing substantial increases-70%, 33% and 23% growth respectively, demonstrating their proactive commitment.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Tony Wong Chi-kwong, Commissioner for Digital Policy; Mr. Simon Chan Sai-ming, Chairman of HKIRC; and Ms. Linda Lam Mei-sau, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tony Wong commended awardees for "actively enhancing the accessibility of their websites and mobile applications, not only enabling persons with disabilities and the elderly in need to access electronic information and services so that they can fully integrate into the digital society, but also serving as role models for promoting accessibility design."

Mr. Simon Chan expressed gratitude for the collective efforts in building an inclusive society, stating, "The social responsibility and innovative spirit demonstrated by participating enterprises form a cornerstone of Hong Kong's development as a smart city."

Ms. Linda Lam added, "The Equal Opportunities Commission has been committed to promoting equal opportunities for people with different abilities to participate in all aspects of life, including independent access to both physical and digital environments, and to obtain information and participate in activities. The awardees have set powerful examples in promoting digital inclusion, inspiring more enterprises and organisations to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Hong Kong, where everyone can enjoy equal opportunities."

In addition to presenting awards to recognise participants' efforts, the organiser invited representatives from CareER, a platform supporting jobseekers with disabilities, and the Hong Kong Blind Union's member to share digital barriers in their daily lives. They highlighted past digital barriers faced by visually impaired individuals and the positive changes driven by increasing corporate commitment to accessibility. They expressed hope that more organisations will embrace digital inclusion, further enhancing the digital environment.

Since launching the Scheme in 2018, HKIRC has been dedicated to promoting digital accessibility. Mr. Simon Chan noted, "This year's record participation is truly encouraging. The introduction of the Elderly-friendly Award aims to raise awareness of the elderly's needs in accessing digital services." He highlighted examples of applications with simplified interfaces, larger fonts, and voice navigation, which enhance user experience and demonstrate care for elderly users. "We are delighted to see many enterprises receiving the Elderly-friendly Award, reflecting their efforts to extend digital inclusion to diverse groups. Moving forward, we will intensify promotional efforts and offer technical workshops to deepen corporate understanding of digital inclusion, collectively building an equitable and accessible digital society."

Looking ahead, HKIRC will continue to embed the concept of "digital accessibility" into everyday life, encouraging industries, especially those integral to daily living to embrace accessibility. By fostering a digitally inclusive society and supporting innovation, HKIRC aims to contribute to Hong Kong's smart city development, ensuring all citizens can share in the benefits of the digital era.

For more details on the Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme, please visit:

https://www.digital-accessibility.hk/

About Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC)

Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) is a non-profit-distributing, non-statutory corporation designated by the HKSAR Government to administer the registration of Internet domain names under the .hk and .香港 top-level domains. As a key driver of Hong Kong's Internet development, HKIRC is committed to fostering an inclusive, secure, innovative, and international digital ecosystem, promoting the adoption of Internet and related technologies.