LG Empowers Youth with Disabilities at Global IT Competition in Manila

LG Electronics concluded its six-day Global IT Challenge for disabled youth Friday in Manila, drawing 104 participants from 16 countries to compete in six categories, including generative AI skills. Nur Zulzahirah Binti Mohd Anwar, a 16-year-old hearing-impaired contestant from Malaysia, won the overall championship.

“This was my first time participating in GITC, and I’m surprised and honored to be selected as a global IT leader,” she said. She encouraged fellow participants to pursue their dreams overcoming prejudices.

The annual competition, which began in 2011, is jointly organized by LG, South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Philippine government. It has drawn more than 5,000 participants from 40 countries, expanding from Asia to the Middle East and North Africa. Past participants include Aikeo Koomanivong, a 2014 contestant who now heads Laos’ disability service center and develops free braille software.

“GITC has served as a stepping stone for 5,000 participants to become global IT leaders,” said Yoon Jong-rok, head of LG Electronics’ social contribution division. “We hope that GITC will continue to empower disabled youth and contribute to a more inclusive society.”

Thi