Just days after Richard Earl, Founder and Managing Director of Talent International, sent an open letter to the Australian Startup Community encouraging them not to lose hope and praising the New Zealand technology and innovation ecosystem, the Technology Services Specialist has appointed another New Zealand tech-icon to its judging panel for the 2014 Talent Unleashed Awards.
Chief Technology Officer of Movio, Kalman Bekesi, is joining the illustrious panel to sit alongside iconic entrepreneurs Sir Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak.
“I am honoured and excited to be part of these awards. The heavy-weight judging panel of which I am now a part of, shows that Talent International is serious in rewarding and supporting talent from this region,” he said.
In the open letter, Earl said “New Zealand’s ICT industry is the fastest growing industry there. Exports have doubled over the past six years and at more than $7 billion, it’s the country’s third largest export earner. Kalman represents the incredible talent we see in the New Zealand technology space. His technical talent, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership qualities mean he is the perfect choice in rounding out our amazing judging panel” Earl said.
New Zealand’s representation on the judging panel is reflective of the nation’s up and coming position as a technologically advanced country with a tech savvy population eager to embrace new opportunities.
The panel also includes CEO of The New Zealand Technology Industry Association, Candace Kinser, Singapore based Co-Founder and CEO of the Catcha Group, Patrick Grove, Hong Kong Founder and Owner of Outblaze, Yat Siu, Malaysian based Head of Groupon, Asia Pacific, Joel Neoh, LinkedIn Managing Director Cliff Rosenberg, Apple Co-Founder, Steve Wozniak and Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson.