Before the Finals in Abu Dhabi, Approximately 500 Participants Came Together for Preliminary Rounds.

LG Electronics (LG) hosted a two-day online preliminary round of the 2023 Global IT Challenge (GITC) for Disabled Youth, in collaboration with the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and the International Rehabilitation Korea, on July 25.

LG has been leading GITC in collaboration with the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare since 2011. The program was established to create a strong foundation that empowers disabled youth with IT skills and supports their inclusion in social life. The competition, organized by LG Electronics and the GITC Organizing Committee, has benefited around 4,500 disabled youths from 38 countries so far.

This year, approximately 500 disabled youths selected through local qualifying rounds from 17 countries competed in six events to secure their positions in the finals, which will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in October 2023. Certificates and cash prizes were awarded to outstanding performers in each event and disability category.

The competitions not only assess skills in various computer programs, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and internet search engines, but also test abilities in video creation and editing, programming self-driving cars, and developing IT solutions that enhance the lives of disabled individuals. Teams consisting of 4 or fewer members can participate in each competition. This year’s GITC is especially unique as it has introduced an esports competition without any participation restrictions, organized based on the type or degree of disability.

The participation of countries continues to grow in GITC. As GITC expands to countries in the Middle East and North Africa, nations beyond South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Asian countries can also compete.

An increasing number of disabled youths are continuing to thrive in society through GITC. For instance, the winners of the Global IT Challenge MVP (Most Valuable Participant) award from the 2014 Busan GITC and the 2015 Indonesia GITC, Chan Outdam Keo and Paramuditaya Dyan, have now become prominent IT developers in top government institutions.

Keo stated, “The experience I gained from this competition was invaluable for my development, as it completely changed my mindset. I was able to alter my way of thinking and support the development of the field related to my disability.”

LG is committed to achieving “A Better Life for Everyone” by ensuring access to its products and services irrespective of physical abilities. This effort includes operating a sign language consultation center, providing video product guides, distributing sign language, audio support, and Braille stickers for home appliances. Additionally, the company has been running a disabled advisory group since the past year and continues to listen to and solve customers’ most significant challenges.

Yoon Dae-sik, Senior Vice President of External Relations at LG Electronics, said, “The Global IT Challenge is about creating a foundation for disabled individuals to integrate better into society, proven by former participants being able to pursue successful careers in IT. As a global company, we will always strive to support disabled youths in pursuing their passions and realizing their dreams.”