KUCHING: The Sarawak Digital Economy Gala Dinner and Awards 2024 celebrated remarkable achievements in innovation and digital transformation that have shaped Sarawak.
The event was held as part of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024, which has now become a global platform for advancing digital excellence and socioeconomic progress.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said that the event celebrates the hard work of individuals, businesses, and institutions who have leveraged technology to drive positive change.
“These awards are proof of our commitment to making Sarawak a leader in the digital economy in this region,” he said during the event, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday.
He added that digital transformation is not only a key driver of economic growth but also plays a vital role in enhancing societal well-being and achieving sustainable development.
“IDECS has had a significant impact on Sarawak, especially through the establishment of key institutions such as the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBos), the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
“These institutions have played a crucial role in implementing various digital economy initiatives in the state, laying a strong foundation for building a brighter digital future for Sarawak,” he said.
The dinner was graced by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Premier Digital Economy Award, which recognised the most outstanding achievements among the award categories.
The award categories included the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Award, the Research and Development Award, the Technology Startup Award, the Digital Government Award, the Sustainability Award, and the Industry 4.0 Award.
Each category aimed to spotlight those leading critical fields and contributing to the growth of Sarawak's digital economy.
Additionally, Dato Sri Julaihi explained that the awards symbolise the forward-looking leadership of the Premier in making digital innovation a key driver of the state's prosperity.
He further stated that Sarawak must continue to be resilient and innovative in facing the challenges of the digital economy.
“We must strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors and wisely leverage technology to build a more sustainable state,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian,
Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) Chairman, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and SDEC Chairman and IDECS Deputy Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, along with other honoured guests. -UKASnews
