SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) announced today that the company has been named the winner of the Chairman’s Award at this year’s Mobile World Congress Leadership Summit.

The GSMA Chairman’s Award, first presented in 1996, is the most prestigious GSMA award given in recognition of outstanding achievements in the mobile industry. The award honors personal or company contributions as well as achievements that span entire organizations, over a sustained period of time. Winner of the award is chosen by the GSMA’s Chairman alone.

This year the GSMA Chairman’s Award was shared by SK Telecom and KT. Ha Sung-min, President and CEO of SK Telecom received the award on behalf of SK Telecom at the Mobile World Congress Leadership Summit 2013.

SK Telecom receives this award for its outstanding contribution to NFC (Near Field Communication), a set of short-range wireless technologies that the GSMA is actively promoting all throughout the globe.

Since November 2011, SK Telecom has participated in the GSMA’s NFC program, designed to stimulate the global commercial deployment of UICC-based NFC services, which have the potential to generate significant value for mobile operators’ customers.

SK Planet, SK Telecom’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has launched the world’s first NFC-based open platform in November 2011 and is currently working with telecommunications companies around the world to expand the business to overseas markets. Under partnership with Japanese mobile carriers KDDI and Softbank, SK Planet plans to create an NFC zone in Shinokubo, a key business district in Tokyo, and begin trial service from April 2013.

At present, efforts are being made by Asian countries’ governments and mobile carriers to develop an NFC-based transportation card system that can be universally used throughout the region. 

At MWC 2013, SK Telecom, together with SK Planet and SK C&C, will showcase NFC-related items including PayPin service and NFC on USIM to allow visitors to experience innovative mobile payment technologies.

Ha Sung-min, President and CEO of SK Telecom said, "SK Telecom is truly honored to receive the GSMA Chairman’s Award, as it recognizes the company’s continuing commitment and efforts to enrich people’s lives through innovative technologies and services. SK Telecom will continue to work closely with GSMA and actively participate in its initiatives and programs, while making redoubled efforts to become one of the most influential companies in the world by introducing cutting-edge ICT that provide customers with greater value and convenience."