KUCHING: The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak – UKAS) hosted its annual Appreciation Ceremony 2024 on Sunday night, acknowledging the exceptional contributions and achievements of its personnel and partners throughout the past year.
At the event held at the Hilton Hotel, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, presided over the ceremony.
Samuel Simon, the Director of UKAS, expressed gratitude for the combined efforts of UKAS staff, retirees, and media partners.
“On behalf of all UKAS personnel, I express gratitude to the Almighty for granting us the opportunity to gather for this significant occasion.
“Tonight, we pay tribute to 14 outstanding staff members who exhibited exemplary performance in 2023 and celebrate the contributions of our retirees, whose dedication has influenced UKAS’s success,” he mentioned during his address at the event.
The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony, generously sponsored by Datuk Abdullah, which acknowledged exceptional staff performances and outstanding media contributions during the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and Para SUKMA.
“The awards are granted based on clear and specific criteria, ensuring that each recipient’s efforts are fairly acknowledged.
Such recognition serves as motivation for the entire UKAS team to achieve even greater results in the future,” Samuel remarked.
Moreover, he mentioned that UKAS actively participated in significant events such as the 2024 Sarawak Media Conference with AZAM Sarawak, HAWANA 2024 in collaboration with BERNAMA, and the 21st SUKMA and Para SUKMA. The lead agency for Publicity, Promotion, and Media, UKAS collaborated with media partners including TVS, RTM, Bernama, FINAS, and Astro Awani.
“Our collaboration played a crucial role in Sarawak’s success as the host, and we take pride in being champions for both SUKMA and Para SUKMA. This victory reflects the dedication and teamwork of all involved,”
The winners of the photography and article writing competitions held in conjunction with the 21st SUKMA Sarawak 2024 were also recognized.
Muhammad Rais Sanusi secured first place in photography, followed by Mohamad Faitullah Morni in second, and Mohmad Nahari Nahar in third.
In the article writing category, Agnes Tugong clinched the first position, while Jude Peter Toyat and Mohammad Roji Abdullah secured second and third places, respectively. The winners in both categories were awarded certificates and cash prizes.
Furthermore, Samuel highlighted that the unit had produced 18,359 UKAS bulletins. On social media, its TikTok platform garnered 10.8 million views, while its Facebook page reached 2.7 million with 243,738 followers. The unit created 1,259 infographics and conducted 32 live-streaming sessions.
Their accomplishments also encompassed teaser videos that reached 2.3 million viewers, the installation of 37 billboards, and the successful execution of 16 training courses. In documentation efforts, UKAS compiled 3,448 press clippings, created 195 video montages, and resolved 1,584 related issues.
Samuel also mentioned that UKAS hosted 18 Juh Randau sessions and produced 34 field reports. Additionally, 463 media-related activities were organized, strengthening strategic relationships with local and national media organizations.
“These achievements are a result of the collective effort from every echelon of UKAS staff.
“My heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who contributed to this success,” Samuel concluded.
Among the notable attendees at the event were Deputy State Secretary of Sarawak (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee; Director of Sarawak’s Protocol, Ceremony, and Event Management Unit (UPPANS), Datuk Hamdan Sharbini; Sarawak Director of the Department of Information, Helmy Hamid; CEO of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB), Samat Junai, and CEO of AZAM Sarawak, Ali Suhaili.
