KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak emerged as a standout performer at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2025, clinching nine Gold Awards in the prestigious Public Service Innovation Awards (PSIA) category. 

The state’s exceptional achievements showcased its growing prominence in innovation and technology, it said in a statement on Saturday. 

The awards were a testament to Sarawak's commitment to excellence, with agencies such as the Forest Department Sarawak and the Land and Survey Department leading the way. 

Each of these departments secured three gold awards for their innovative projects, reflecting the state government’s focus on advancing technology across multiple sectors.

The event, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, saw Sarawak represented by 11 agencies presenting a total of 21 projects, further solidifying the state’s role in driving innovation. 

Sarawak was also honoured as the MTE East Malaysia Region Strategic Partner for its dedication to fostering innovation, with Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee, receiving the award on behalf of the Sarawak Secretary.

Director of the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit (STIU), Superi Awang Said, received a Special Award for his leadership in bridging the innovation and technology gap between East and West Malaysia. 

STIU played a pivotal role in facilitating the participation of Sarawak agencies and ensuring their projects were of the highest standard.

Other awards earned by Sarawak included six Silver Awards and six Bronze Awards, alongside nine Special Awards for excellence in various innovation categories.

Gold Award Winners (9): 
- Forest Department Sarawak (3 innovation projects)  
- Land and Survey Department Sarawak (3 innovation projects)  
- Land Custody and Development Authority (1 innovation project)  
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (1 innovation project)  
- Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar Sarawak (1 innovation project)  

Sarawak also achieved notable success in the Silver and Bronze categories, further cementing its position as a leader in innovation within the public sector. 

Silver Awards (6):  
- Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation  
- Land and Survey Department Sarawak  
- Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar Sarawak  
- JKR Sarawak (2 innovation projects)  
- Mukah Resident Office Sarawak  

Bronze Awards (6):  
- Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara  
- Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation  
- Yayasan Sarawak  
- JKR Sarawak  
- JKR Bahagian Mukah  
- Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak  

Special Awards (9):  
- Forest Department Sarawak (2 innovation projects)  
- Land and Survey Department Sarawak (4 innovation projects)  
- Land Custody and Development Authority  
- Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar Sarawak  
- Jabatan Kerja Raya Sarawak  

MTE 2025, which saw participation from 12 countries and featured 438 innovation projects, reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to advancing technology and innovation. 

The event, held annually, continues to serve as a crucial platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and innovators.