KUCHING: The ‘Inspirasi Anak Sarawak’ TikTok Challenge, jointly organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and Koperasi Pro Belia Inovatif Sarawak Berhad (KOBIS), will be turned into an annual competition, with plans to expand it on a larger and more diverse scale.

According to the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, this initiative further strengthens UKAS’ role — not only in disseminating government information but also in amplifying the voices of the youth using today’s digital technologies, including social media platforms.

He also revealed that following the momentum of the TikTok Challenge, a special Premier Sarawak Award will be introduced in conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) and the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) beginning next year.

“To KOBIS and UKAS, I would like this competition to be held every year,” he said. “Additionally, we host SMeC annually, and during the evening we hold Sarawak’s HAWANA celebration. I will establish a special Premier Sarawak Award to recognise those who actively produce and share positive, motivational, and identity-driven content.”

He made these remarks during the TikTok Challenge Prize Presentation Ceremony held at Pustaka Sarawak on Friday.

Datuk Abdullah also proposed that future editions of the competition include special categories such as for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, and University-level participants.

To support this, he contributed RM10,000 to UKAS for the organisation of a similar programme in conjunction with Malaysia Day this year.

“I will allocate another RM10,000, which will be channelled through the UKAS Staff Welfare Club specifically for the next programme on 16 September,” he announced.

The grand prize winner of this year’s TikTok Challenge ‘Inspirasi Anak Sarawak’ was Awang Razin Awang Baderulhisam, who took home RM2,500 in cash.

Meanwhile, Mohd Arash Nazri Mohamad Tinggal and Georgebrill Bian won second and third place with cash prizes of RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively.

Nur-Az’zyieliaton Saja’eei, Awang Suhaimy Awang Omar, Thong Wee Yin, and Selma Eryshea Hubert each received consolation prizes of RM500.

Also present at the event were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations), Datu Hii Chang Kee, UKAS Director, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, KOBIS Chairman, Zaiwim Kassim and Chief Executive Officer of Pustaka Sarawak, Japri Bujang Masli. -UKASnews