MCMC's Nadi Digital Inclusive Project Crowned As Winner In WSIS 2025

From Mohd Khairi Idham Amram

GENEVA (Switzerland), July 7 (Bernama) – The NADI Digital Inclusive Project by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been crowned as the winner of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Award 2025.

MCMC's victory was achieved through the NADI Pulau Banggi Initiative, which was also named the winner in the "C4: Capacity Building" category for its success in providing digital literacy, skills training, and economic opportunities to one of Malaysia's most remote island communities.

The award was received by Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at an official ceremony held in conjunction with the WSIS+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20) here today.

In his acceptance speech, Fahmi said the NADI Digital Inclusive Project in Pulau Banggi reflects the MADANI Government's commitment that no one is left behind in the digital era.

"This success belongs to the community who have received digital skills for a better future as well as to all Malaysians who support the vision of an inclusive and connected nation," he said.

Head of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), Mohd Arif Adenan, said the project garnered global recognition for its efforts in empowering remote communities through digital skill development and connectivity.

"This is a very proud victory for the country, where this initiative by MCMC has proven that Malaysia can be considered a leader in the telecommunications industry worldwide.

"This shows that Malaysia leaves no one behind in terms of telecommunications and internet connectivity," he said when met by the media here.

Mohd Arif said MCMC's participation in WSIS+20 also signifies support for the efforts of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and demonstrates that Malaysia is a highly committed member to all telecommunications and digital initiatives carried out by the United Nations (UN) agency.

According to a statement issued by MCMC, Pulau Banggi, located about 70 kilometers from Kudat and only accessible by ferry or speedboat, is home to approximately 20,000 residents whose main economy is based on fishing, oil palm, and rubber.

The statement mentioned that the island's remote location has limited residents' access to education, healthcare, and economic growth.

"Under the Jalinan Digital Negara Plan (JENDELA), Malaysia's National Digital Infrastructure Plan, the NADI initiative has established community digital hubs that now provide high-speed internet and ICT training to fishermen, farmers, students, and small business owners, equipping them with the skills to succeed in today's digital economy.

"This project has transformed the lives of residents, with youth acquiring ICT skills, women starting online micro-businesses, and local entrepreneurs expanding their markets," the statement said.

According to MCMC, following the success in Pulau Banggi, NADI is now being expanded to other underserved areas, including Pulau Mandi Darah (in northern Sabah), with plans for nationwide expansion by 2035 through scalable training modules, community hubs, and long-term funding in Sabah and Sarawak.

Meanwhile, the Pulau Ketam Stingray II Project was also recognised as the winner in the "C2: Information and Communication Infrastructure" category for its efforts in providing high-speed connectivity through the installation of a 46.4-kilometer underwater fiber optic cable between Kapar and Pulau Ketam (in Selangor).

This project has enabled students to participate in online learning, families to access telemedicine services, and boosted digital business growth for small businesses.

The WSIS Prizes are organised by ITU in cooperation with UN agencies to celebrate information and communication technology (ICT) projects that drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

--BERNAMA