Background of DALA Awards 2026
The DALA Awards is Hong Kong’s leading recognition program dedicated to the practical application of Data and AI. Since our successful inaugural launch in 2024, the awards have become a benchmark for excellence, spotlighting the individuals and organizations who don’t just use technology, but drive meaningful organizational change through it.
In 2026, we continue to honor those who bridge the ‘AI Gap’ – transforming complex analytics into actionable innovation and inspiring the next generation of data-literate leaders in Asia.
Event Highlights
Join an elite ecosystem of data and AI visionaries. Position your brand as a core pioneer of regional AI adoption standards, championing ethics, transparency, and data trust.
> Secure peer-to-peer access to visionary enterprise leaders.
> Validate your commitment to human-centric digital transformation.
> Earn unbiased industry recognition that enhances your brand’s credibility.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your organization’s commitment to innovation and excellence!
Check out the highlight video of DALA Awards 2025
Why Partner with DALA?
Unmatched Exposure: |
Showcase your brand to a targeted audience of industry leaders, data professionals, and decision-makers. |
Networking Opportunities: |
Connect directly with key stakeholders, potential clients, and other partners who are passionate about data and AI. |
Thought Leadership: |
Position your organisation as an industry leader by participating in panels, workshops, and discussions during the event. |
Exclusive Benefits: |
Enjoy tailored marketing opportunities, including prominent logo placements, social media shoutouts, and dedicated media exposure. |
This is more than just a sponsorship; it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement that shapes the future of AI and data literacy in Asia. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your brand and influence the industry!
Become DALA Partner
We offer various partnership packages to suit your organization’s needs:
Sponsor Package |
Key Highlights |
Diamond Partner |
1 Premium Table, Exhibition Booth, VIP Panelist Slot, Video interview feature, On-Stage photo with honour guests and more…. |
Platinum Partner |
4 Luncheon Tickets, Exhibition Booth, On-Stage Recognition, and Post-Event Video Inclusion. |
Gold Partner |
2 Luncheon Tickets, Verbal Acknowledgement, and Logo Exposure across all event materials. |
Tech Partner |
Logo Exposure on website/newsletters and 20% discount on additional Luncheon tickets. |
By partnering with us, you will gain unparalleled visibility and access to a network of influential leaders in the data and AI space. Let’s shape the future together!
For more details, contact us now at awards@dalahk.org / tel: +852 9089 3629.
Key Timeline
Now to Sep 15 (extended deadline)| Application Phase: Submit your project proposal via our secure online portal. Tiered entry fees apply: Free for Individuals, HK$1,000 for SMEs, and HK$2,000 for Corporate, Public Sector, and Enablers.
Late Sep – Early Oct | Initial Selection: Our expert committee reviews all digital entries to shortlist the top 8–10 contenders per award.
Oct 7 – 8 | Final Jury Round: Shortlisted finalists deliver a streamlined, face-to-face presentation to the judging panel. All pitches are professionally recorded for absolute fairness.
Nov 11 | Gala Ceremony: A prestigious grand luncheon to celebrate winners, crown the ultimate Grand Award champions, and network with over 300 ecosystem leaders.
Remarks:
Organisations from the public sector—including government bodies, academic institutions, and NGOs—may request a waiver of the application fee. Please send your request to awards@dalahk.org for review and approval.
Award Categories
We have a range of award categories to recognize excellence across various sectors:
Individual |
Best Data & AI CXO Award: Celebrating chief executives who lead their organisations in data and AI initiatives. |
Best Data & AI Change Agent Award (by nomination): Recognizing individuals who drive transformative change through data and AI in their organisations. |
|
Best Data & AI CEO Award (by invitation): Acknowledging outstanding CEOs recognized for their visionary leadership in data and AI strategies. |
|
SME |
Best Data & AI Adoption Award in SME: Honoring small and medium-sized enterprises that excel in adopting data and AI practices. |
Public Sector |
Best Data & AI Adoption Award in Public Sector: Recognizing government initiatives or NGO that effectively utilize data and AI for public benefit. |
Corporate |
Best Data & AI Adoption Award: Recognizing organisations that have successfully implemented data and AI initiatives to drive business value. |
Best Data & AI Governance Award: Honoring companies that demonstrate exemplary governance practices in their data and AI strategies. |
|
Best Data & AI Talent Cultivation Award: Celebrating organisations that invest in developing data-literate talent within their workforce. |
|
Best Data & AI Tech Innovation Award: Acknowledging innovative technologies that enhance data and AI capabilities. |
|
Enabler(Solution Provider) |
Best Data & AI Literacy Empowerment Award: Recognizing initiatives that enhance data literacy among stakeholders. |
Best Data & AI Implementation Award: Honoring successful implementations of data and AI solutions that deliver measurable impact. |
|
Best Agentic AI Implementation Award: Celebrating organisations that have effectively utilized AI to empower decision-making. |
|
Best Data & AI Product Award: Acknowledging outstanding products that leverage data and AI for business solutions. |
How to Apply
– Please go to the application link and fill out the form.
– Submission deadline: 15 September, 2026 (extended deadline)
– Complete the form with detailed information about your organization and achievements.
– Submit the application before the deadline to ensure consideration.
Judging Criteria
Categories |
Name of Each Awards |
Innovation and Uniqueness |
Market and Industry Performance |
Functional Quality |
Human Capital Value |
Governance and Ethics |
Individual |
Best Data & AI CXO Award |
20 |
20 |
10 |
25 |
25 |
Best Data & AI Change Agent Award |
25 |
15 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
SME |
Best Data & AI Adoption Award in SME |
20 |
25 |
25 |
20 |
10 |
Public Sector |
Best Data & AI Adoption Award in Public Sector |
20 |
15 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
Corporate |
Best Data & AI Adoption Award |
30 |
20 |
20 |
15 |
15 |
Best Data & AI Governance Award |
15 |
15 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
|
Best Data & AI Talent Cultivation Award |
20 |
15 |
15 |
30 |
20 |
|
Best Data & AI Tech Innovation Award |
20 |
15 |
30 |
15 |
20 |
|
Enabler |
Best Data & AI Literacy Empowerment Award |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
Best Data & AI Implementation Award |
25 |
20 |
25 |
15 |
15 |
|
Best Agentic AI Implementation Award |
25 |
20 |
25 |
15 |
15 |
|
Best Data & AI Product Award |
25 |
20 |
25 |
15 |
15 |
Remarks:
Innovation and Uniqueness: By assessing an initiative’s originality, efficient resource utilization, and potential for scalable future growth.
Market and Industry Performance: By assessing key performance indicators, expansion potential, and overall adoption success.
Functional Quality: By assessing effective data and technology utilization to boost operational performance, competitive strength, and quality standards.
Human Capital Value: By assessing overall workforce development, talent enhancement, skills growth, and positive long-term contributions to corporate culture.
Governance and Ethics: By assessing adherence to ESG goals, regulatory compliance, and policies governing ethical standards.
Judging Team
DALA Awards Luncheon & Ceremony 2026
We are delighted to invite our winners, finalists, partners, and the entire Data & AI community to the prestigious DALA Awards Luncheon & Ceremony 2026!
Winners across the Individual, SME, Corporate, Public Sector, and Enabler categories will each receive one complimentary ticket to attend the presentation ceremony, receive their trophies on stage, and celebrate their milestones alongside fellow tech leaders and innovators. Seating for award recipients will be arranged by the organiser.
Event Details:
Date: 11 November 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: The Grand Ballroom, The Mira Hong Kong
THE DALA AWARDS WINNER CIRCLE
2025 Winners List |
||||
| Individual | Best Data & AI CEO Award | Gold | Tat Lee | WeLab Bank |
| Merit | Dr Jason Chan, MH, JP | PolyU SPEED (School of Professional Education and Executive Development) | ||
| Merit | Tiffany Chan | iCare 傳恩惠您 | ||
| Best Data & AI Leader Award | Gold | Louis Mah | Maxim’s caterer limited | |
| Merit | Laura Cao | Hang Seng Bank | ||
| Merit | Lily Lai | Airport Authority Hong Kong | ||
| SME | Best SME Data & AI Award | Gold | e-banner Limited |
| Merit | Cheung Kee Hong Limited | ||
| Merit | Kanaya AI Technology Limited | ||
| Merit | LEE’S Cleaning Services Co., Ltd. |
| Corporate | Best AI Adoption Award | Gold | MTR Corporation Limited |
| Merit | AECOM | ||
| Merit | Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Co Ltd | ||
| Merit | HKT | ||
| Merit | Cafe de Coral Group | ||
| Best AI Ethics Award | Gold | AIA International Limited | |
| Best Data & AI Talent Cultivation Award | Gold | The Bank of East Asia, Limited | |
| Merit | Pinpoint Asia Limited | ||
| Merit | Cafe de Coral Group | ||
| Best Data Culture Award | Gold | Cafe de Coral Fast Food | |
| Merit | The Bank of East Asia, Limited | ||
| Best Data Governance Award | Gold | CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited | |
| Merit | Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited | ||
| Merit | Prudential Hong Kong Limited |
| Enabler | Best Data & AI Enablement Award
|
Gold | Maxim’s Caterers Ltd. |
| Merit | HKT Limited | ||
| Merit | MTR Corporation Limited | ||
| Merit | Google Cloud | ||
| Merit | NCSI (HK) Limited | ||
| Best Data & AI Literacy Empowerment Award | Gold | Data Mindset Academy | |
| Merit | OpenCertHub Academy | ||
| Merit | South China Morning Post | ||
| Best LLM Implementation Award | Gold | Lenovo PCCW Solutions | |
| Merit | AXA Hong Kong and Macau | ||
| Merit | Global Technology Integrator |
2025 Grand Award Winners |
|
| GRAND AWARD – INDIVIDUAL | Tat Lee |
| GRAND AWARD – SME | e-banner Limited |
| GRAND AWARD – CORPORATE | MTR Corporation Limited |
| GRAND AWARD – ENABLER | Lenovo PCCW Solutions |
Organising Committee
Organiser
Co- Organiser
Government Support
Collaboration Partner
Premier Partner
Diamond Partner
Platinum Partner
Data & AI Platform Partner
Media Partner
Supporting Organisations
**in no particular order**
