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EOC launches Universal Design Award Scheme 2026/27
On 9 October 2025, the EOC announced the launch of the second Universal Design Award Scheme (UDAS). Following the enthusiastic response to the inaugural edition, which was launched in 2024/25, the EOC launched UDAS again to further encourage various premises in Hong Kong to enhance accessibility and to promote the concept of universal design.
In addition to the five initial categories, namely shopping malls and retail spaces; office buildings and offices spaces; restaurants; buildings and sites with recreational, sports, or cultural purposes; and revitalised sites, two new categories have been added. They are public and private residential buildings and higher education institutions. The expansion enables the UDAS to cover more environments related to everyday activities such as living, working, studying, dining, shopping and leisure.
Regarding the awards, two new accolades have been introduced in addition to the Special Recognition, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. They are the Double Gold Award and the Continuous Improvement Award. The introduction of these awards serves to encourage past awardees to further enhance accessibility in their premises and services. The scoring criteria have also been updated. Small premises will be assessed by different scoring standards. Applicants that offer awareness and sensitivity training to staff members, or have been recognised by other award schemes for promoting changes in organisational culture, will receive bonus points.
Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau, Chairperson of the EOC, said, “The EOC is firmly committed to addressing the needs of people with disabilities, promoting their equal participation in society and ensuring that they can live independently and with dignity. This includes being able to access premises independently and having equal access to goods, services and facilities. By sharing good practices in creating inclusive environments, the UDAS aims to encourage more organisations to adopt such practices to enhance accessibility.”
The UDAS 2026/27 is now open for applications until 31 March 2026. Public and private organisations are welcome to participate and contribute to creating accessible environments. The EOC will also hold briefing sessions from October 2025 to January 2026 to provide more details regarding the application process to interested parties.
