ChatGPT and other AI programs are making dramatic progress in solving everyday problems. Innovative use of AI and machine learning (ML) is increasingly becoming a major competitive differentiator for companies around the world. This award celebrates the most innovative use of AI and related technologies such as deep learning and large language models (LLMs).

Cloud is the foundation of almost every enterprise environment. It’s no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. Environments have also become more advanced with multi-cloud architectures, infrastructure-as-code and automated management, and sophisticated cost optimisation. This category celebrates the most innovative use of cloud technology and everything that it encompasses.

With the digitalisation of the global economy and data becoming the new oil, cybersecurity has become a crucial consideration. The never-ending war to keep hackers out of networks has seen many heroes and innovations. This award celebrates the innovation and success of cybersecurity teams that protect networks and organisations around the clock.

Companies strive to use technology in the most innovative way possible, often in ways that were not envisaged by the companies that created the technology. This award celebrates the best use of technology by enterprises.

Industry 4.0 and AI-driven digital operations are the new buzzwords in almost every environment ranging from factories, healthcare, agriculture, utilities and government, among others. IoT and industrial IoT are key enablers, and they have made dramatic progress in recent years. This award will celebrate the best IoT-enabled projects that have significantly improved business outcomes.

With increasing awareness of climate change, there’s an understanding across the board that technology and its support systems can be power-intensive and a major contributor to carbon emissions. Organisations across Asia are creating decarbonisation initiatives, calculating and reducing their emissions, and using technology in a more sustainable manner. Sustainability is often a major criterion in judging the success of various IT projects. In other cases, technology is also being used to create a more sustainable future. The award celebrates the use of technology to build a greener future.

Web 3.0 and the Metaverse are a new frontier, with the charge being led by large technology companies and startups alike. Companies are already creating a virtual presence on Web 3.0 and using the technology in innovative ways to open new channels and engage customers. We look at the best Web 3.0 implementations in this award category.

This award celebrates the success attained by women who have excelled in their chosen technology fields and domains, and/or become leaders in their respective fields.

Nominees need to demonstrate tech expertise, leadership, vision, and community advocacy. Their contributions, achievements and leadership in technology roles need to be impactful and above all inspiring for the next generation of technology professionals.

Entrants can either be nominated by others or can self-nominate themselves. They should show clear achievements in the field of technology leadership which indicate:

• Strategic leadership and thinking
• Excellent execution of projects
• Inspiring leadership to companies and working groups
• Being a clear role-model who can inspire other women to join the technology industry
• Any other exceptional action, achievements or work that especially merits the award