MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics has announced the second consecutive year of its largest Asian social program -- Samsung DigitAll Hope.

The company plans to contribute $1.05 million by this year to organisations from Southeast Asia and Australia. The aim is to help bridge the digital divide.

Over $ 450,000 in grants will be awarded this year to projects that enhance lives of the disabled and youth with technology. 15 organisations already benefited from $600,000 in grants last year.

The programme focuses on enriching lives with technology in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In Singapore and Thailand, the focus will be on supporting programs that assist people living with disabilities, and to help them lead richer lives through existing and new development technologies.

Samsung Asia CEO and president Sang-Jin Park said, "We have a deep-rooted belief that technology is an increasingly important tool of progress. It has the power to enhance and transform the lives of everyone including the disabled, so we can look forward to a brighter future."

The company has invited charities, NGOs and educational institutions to apply for grants for on-going projects or the foundation of new projects surrounding improving lives through technology. A regional panel will judge submissions. The criteria include the expected quality of lives, creativity and innovation in the use of technology to develop better lives.