Globally expanding IT&T Recruitment Company, Talent International, has teamed up with Sir Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak to search for the leading technology super stars across the globe in the 2014 Talent Unleashed Awards.
The awards are set to provide a platform to inspire technology professionals across Asia Pacific (APAC) initially and the United Kingdom (UK) in the coming months bring the total technology professionals being asked to stand up and be recognised to 2million. Across APAC the awards will address some key concerns facing the technology industry.
IN AUSTRALIA
The Talent Unleashed Awards are set to kick start the Australian technology sector by recognising the bravest, boldest and most brilliant individuals shining who are making a positive impact in the community and in business.
Talent International has previously made known it’s disappointment at the absence of a meaningful Australian technology sector and now with the softening of the mining boom and the demise of many household names in the manufacturing sector increased activity and focus on the IT&T sector is more important than ever.
Founder and Managing Director of Talent International Richard Earl said “When we look to the Australian technology sector we’re concerned that there is insufficient interest and activity at a grass roots level in terms of innovation, ideas and technology start-ups. This is especially apparent in Australia but also across the broader APAC region’ the Talent Unleashed Awards will address this” Earl added.
IN NEW ZEALAND
While New Zealand’s economic growth is strong, there can’t be a long term reliance on agrarian industries and fantastic companies such as Fonterra and the stimulus provided by the Christchurch rebuild. Talent International believes that more companies like Xero are needed to continue transforming the New Zealand technology industry.
“We know New Zealand has a great track record for producing innovators we need to ensure that we can continue to foster this innovative culture by rewarding those special individuals changing New Zealand’s Technology industry.” Earl added.
IN HONG KONG
In Hong Kong the Awards are set to reignite the Hong Kong technology sector by recognising the bravest, boldest and most brilliant individuals shining who are making a positive impact in the community and in business.
While Hong Kong’s infrastructure bears a resemblance to Silicon Valley in terms of tax breaks, rapid company creation, efficient business practices and world-class infrastructure , there is less focus on software engineering innovation. Google chairman Eric Schmidt recently made a similar point, saying Hong Kong needs to develop and encourage more technology talent.
“The Hong Kong technology sector does not highlight it’s great talent at a grassroots level when we look at innovation and technology start-ups. These awards are to address this very issue” Earl added.
IN SINGAPORE
In Singapore, the Awards are set to add to the regions growing technology sector by recognising the bravest, boldest and most brilliant individuals who are making a positive impact in the community and in business.
Funding for Singapore’s technology sector has increased dramatically since 2011. Last year, venture capitalists invested US$1.71 billion into technology firms in Singapore, exceeding the amounts invested into Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, according to the Asian Venture Capital Journal.
INTRODUCING THE TALENT UNLEASHED AWARDS
The Talent Unleashed Awards will help address Talent International’s concerns by stirring the imaginations, dreams, and ambitions of technology superstars at a grass roots levels across the Asia Pacific in five categories. The awards are aimed at the 400,000 technology professionals across Australia and a further 600,000 in the broader APAC region.
Talent International is excited to announce an international judging panel who will help select the regional and overall category winners.
“We’re thrilled to have some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and business minds on board this year. It’s great to have Sir Richard Branson on board for the second year in a row, highlighting our joint passion to reward excellence in technology” Richard Earl said. Steve Wozniak is a perfect complement for Sir Richard and together they represent the face of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurialism at its very best.
“A number of regional judges will be announced shortly” Earl added.
2014 Judges include:
- Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Group
- Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder, Apple
- Cliff Rosenberg, Managing Director, LinkedIn
- Joel Neoh, International Vice President and Head of Groupon Asia Pacific
- Patrick Grove, Co-Founder and CEO, Catcha Group
Sir Richard Branson said; “The technology and IT sectors will be the main stay of the our global economy for many years to come. We must encourage more talented individuals to take up careers in these fields and help drive innovation, invention and more efficiency across many sectors. I enjoyed meeting the team at Talent International last year in Sydney and look forward to working with them in this competition.”
AWARDS CATEGORIES
Adding to last years inaugural Community Impact Award, the 2014 Talent Unleashed Awards Program has added 4 new categories including: Rising Star, Inspirational Leadership, Best Start Up, and Digital Content.
Regional winners will be selected and will then travel to Sydney, Australia for the APAC Awards Ceremony where five category winners will be selected in addition to a People’s Choice Award winner.
Strong supporters of continual development, Talent International will reward the six category winners with a five-day business innovation workshop at the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, South Africa.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Australia / New Zealand
Samantha Rosich
Communications Manager – Talent International
samr@talentinternational.com.au
M. +61 409 493 250
P. +612 9223 9855
Asia
Amber Forrest-Bisley
Director – Cardinal Spin
amber@cardinalspin.com.au
M. +61 405 363 817
P. +612 8065 7363
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