Kuching: A total of 116 entries have been received for the Sarawak Digital Economy Awards 2025 (DEA2025), organised by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA). The awards are a major highlight of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2025 (IDECS25).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi stated that the awards recognize Sarawakian achievements across seven digital excellence categories. Each category winner will receive RM10,000 in cash, a trophy, and a certificate. From these winners, the recipient of the Premier Digital Economy Award will be chosen for their outstanding achievement. This award includes participation in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, with all expenses covered, including return tickets, accommodation, and full access to the exhibition.
Out of the total entries, 70 have progressed past the initial evaluation in categories such as Digital Technology Transformation, Research and Development and Commercialisation, Entrepreneurship and Business Startups, Digital Government, Digital Creative Content, Environmental Sustainability, and Digital Leadership.
Julaihi also highlighted that IDECS25, themed 'AI and Green Evolution: Community Growth, Challenges and Resilience', serves as a platform to address the global benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). The conference aims to ensure Sarawak remains abreast of the latest technological advancements. Scheduled for October 22 to 23 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), IDECS25 anticipates over 10,000 attendees, including international delegations from countries like the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, and China.
The event strives for 20 percent international participation and will feature prominent speakers such as AI author James Barrat, AI expert Dr. Ayesha Khanna, and human transformation expert Dr. Justin Cohen.
Jointly organised by the Sarawak Digital Economic Corporation (SDEC), SMA, and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS), with Bioekonomi Malaysia Sdn Bhd as a strategic partner, the DEA was first introduced in 2018. It is part of the Sarawak Digital Strategy, aiming to integrate digital technology across all economic sectors. The awards also emphasize digital inclusion, talent development, and infrastructure, while acknowledging contributions from various sectors, including public and private, industry, government-linked companies, universities, NGOs, and individuals.