Malaysia’s youth with disabilities win top awards at GITC 2025 in Korea, showcasing digital innovation, inclusion and education excellence.
MALAYSIA’S young talents with disabilities won at the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC) 2025 in Ulsan, Republic of Korea, achieving victories that showcased Malaysia’s strength in inclusion, digital innovation and education excellence.
The international competition brought together over 1,700 youth with disabilities from 20 countries, testing their creativity, problem-solving and technological skills in categories designed to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) to thrive in the digital economy.
The Malaysian contingent delivered an inspiring performance that captured international attention, with several participants emerging as top winners. Among the winners, Muhammad Thaqiif Muhamad Zharif who won the Best e-Combination award, while also securing top honours in the Best e-Content category alongside Lum Man Jun, Muhammad Syakir Zailani and Muhammad Fahim Mohd Sofian.
In addition, Malaysia received a Special Contribution Award in recognition of its exceptional commitment to supporting and advancing inclusion for youth with disabilities.
A proud milestone that celebrates not only individual excellence but also national progress in the inclusion movement and these outstanding achievements mark one of Malaysia’s strongest-ever showings at the GITC.
Malaysia’s official flag-off ceremony at KLIA Terminal 1, Sepang, was led by Dr Mohd Anuar bin Abdullah, Deputy Director (Instructional Development), Ministry of Education Malaysia and Amirul Safuan Hj. Mohd Ishak, founder and the visionary behind Aspirasi OKU 2026, a national movement redefining how Malaysia uplifts and celebrates its persons with disabilities (PWD) community.
The send-off was attended by representatives from the State Education Departments of Selangor, Melaka, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Perak, and Pahang, along with teachers, parents, school leaders and Members of Parliament.
Dr Mohd Anuar praised the role of educators, families, and the Ministry’s ongoing support in creating inclusive digital opportunities for all.
“This success belongs to the entire education ecosystem. To every teacher who believed, every parent who encouraged, and every student who dared to dream, this is your shared victory. The ministry will continue strengthening inclusive digital learning pathways to ensure no child is left behind in the nation’s digital future.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Norhasnizam, head of the special education sector, JPN Selangor, said the victory represents more than just medals, it symbolises Malaysia’s growing success in empowering inclusive education.
“This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration across our education ecosystem, from teachers and families to ministry leaders, all committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to shine. We are proud to see our special education students proving that with the right support and guidance, they can go from zero to hero. Congratulations to all involved in making this success possible.”
The GITC, co-hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Republic of Korea) and LG Electronics, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Korea) and the Community Chest of Korea, has grown into one of the world’s most respected platforms for digital inclusion and empowerment.
The GITC empowers youth with disabilities worldwide through competitive digital events that nurture creativity, teamwork, and self-confidence. Since its inception in 1992, it has grown into a global movement championing accessible technology and inclusion.
