KUCHING: The third edition of the Digital Economy Awards (DEA) organised by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), celebrated five winners, each recognised for their contributions to Sarawak’s digital economy.
The recipients received a cash prize of RM10,000 each, while the RM20,000 Premier’s Digital Economy Award was presented to an outstanding winner among them.
The awards ceremony was part of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the event symbolises Sarawak’s commitment to build a robust digital economy and its ambition to become a leader in digital transformation within the region.
“These awards not only acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the nominees but also highlight the potential for digital transformation to be a driver of economic growth, societal progress, and sustainable development, inspired by the Premier of Sarawak’s vision and leadership.
“The awards we celebrate tonight are not only about recognising achievement but also about inspiring future innovation.
“Sarawak’s digital future lies in the hands of visionaries, pioneers, and innovators – those who dare to think differently, collaborate, and push the envelope in ways that will bring about lasting change,” he said.
He said this during his address at the IDECS 2024 gala dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (Oct 17), which was also attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Julaihi said the Premier’s Digital Economy Award not only recognises excellence but also showcases the visionary leadership of Abang Johari.
“It embodies Premier’s forward-thinking ambition to position Sarawak as a leader in digital transformation, ensuring sustainable progress and development for generations to come,” he said.
Among the winners, MyContent Distribution Sdn Bhd was awarded the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Award for its ‘MyContent Distribution’s Digital Adoption’ project and also received the prestigious Premier’s Digital Economy Award 2024.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) secured the Research and Development Award for its innovative mobile app project, ‘A Smartphone-Based Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Screening System Using Deep Learning CNN Classification’.
Evolving Brilliance Technologies Sdn Bhd won the Technology Start-up Award for its ‘Process Optimisation Management System (POMAS)’ project.
The Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit took home the Digital Government Award with its SCS Mobile+ initiative, which aims to enhance digital transformation in government services.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department Sarawak was recognised with the Sustainability Award for its ‘Greening Sarawak Campaign (Forest Landscape Restoration): Turning Commitments Into Canopies’ project.
Julaihi encouraged all participants in Sarawak’s digital economy to continue their efforts and showcase their achievements.
“Whether you are a start-up, a small business, a researcher, or a public institution, your work has the potential to shape the future of Sarawak and inspire others to follow in your footsteps,” he added.
