YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — The 2017 Presidential Award for Global Contribution in the Field of Information Technology was presented on November 17 to iPod developer Tony Fadel, who also founded Nest Labs Company.
Hovik Musayelyan, chairman of the Executive Board of the World IT Awards Committee, first presented the background history of the Presidential Award for Global Contribution in the Field of Information Technology, the principles steering the Award Committee and the International Selection Commission, established by the decree of the president of the Republic of Armenia, and the world-renowned award-winners.
He highlighted Armenia’s competitive edge in the priority sector of information technology, the great potential that dates a far back as to the Soviet Armenia, which later became a solid basis for further development.
Musayelyan also spoke about the joint State-private sector initiatives aimed at promoting the development of the IT sector, many of which have become traditional already. The floor was next given to Award Committee member Tony Moroyan who presented the life story of this year’s award winner.
President Serzh Sargsyan presented the prize to Fadel, and delivered a speech at the reception held on that occasion. Fadel reciprocated with words of thanks.
The president said, “I am happy to hand the Presidential Award for Global Contribution in the Field of Information Technology to Tony Fadel, the founder of Nest Labs. He is really one of those people who are shaping our everyday life and lifestyle in this digital era.