LG Crowns Winner of 2024 Global IT Challenge (GITC) for Youth With Disabilities
LG recently concluded global challenge gave youth with disabilities a chance to showcase their IT skills.
The South Korean tech giant held the 2024 Global IT Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities from 3 to 8 November 2024, bringing together 104 participants from 16 countries to compete in six IT challenges.
This year’s GITC saw Zulzahirah Binti Mohd Anwar from Malaysia take the top prize, having excelled across multiple of the six challenges.
The challenges included eTool, which assessed participants’ ability to create presentation slides and manage spreadsheets; eLifeMap, which focused on online search and image retrieval skills; eContent, an evaluation of video editing and production capabilities; and eCreative, where participants coded a self-driving car program and proposed technological concepts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.
GITC also introduced a new assessment this year focused on generative AI proficiency, allowing participants to demonstrate their adaptability and creativity skills.
“GITC has been a stepping stone for nearly 5,000 young adults with disabilities, empowering them to overcome barriers and become competitive IT talent,” said Yoon Dae-Sik, Senior Vice President of External Relations at LG Electronics. “We remain dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities as they refine their skills and build self-confidence, helping them realise their dreams in the IT field.”
LG has been hosting GITC annually since its inception in 2011, opening pathways for young people with disabilities to pursue professions in the IT industry and helping develop their ICT skills. The competition has seen approximately 5,000 young participants from 40 countries, with many alumni finding success in IT and related fields.
One notable example is GITC 2014 participant Aikeo Koomanivong, a visually impaired GITC 2014 participant who now directs a disability service centre in Laos. There, he also pioneered accessible technologies, including free braille software.
LG touts that GITC embodies its broader commitment to diversity and inclusion. The appliance manufacturer adds that it actively works to enhance the accessibility of its services and products through initiatives such as the LG Comfort Kit, braille stickers and sign language customer service centres.
LG held the 2024 Global IT Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities from 3 to 8 November 2024, bringing together 104 participants from 16 countries to compete in six IT challenges.
Zulzahirah Binti Mohd Anwar from Malaysia was crowned the winner, having excelled across multiple of the six challenges.
LG has been hosting GITC annually since its inception in 2011, opening pathways for young people with disabilities to pursue professions in the IT industry.