Appointment Of Nadi Advisory Panel Chairmen To Boost Digital Empowerment In Kedah, Perlis
ALOR SETAR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The appointment of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) Advisory Panel chairmen for Kedah and Perlis will strengthen the centre's role as a community empowerment hub and an effective channel for delivering government information and initiatives.
Political Secretary to the Communications Minister, Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof, said the panel's establishment reflects the ongoing commitment of the government and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to strengthening governance and implementing NADI initiatives nationwide.
He said NADI’s role is no longer limited to providing internet access, as it has evolved into a platform that helps the community enhance digital skills, explore new economic opportunities, access government services, and adapt to technological advancements.
“In line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, NADI continues to be empowered to ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach all segments of society, regardless of location and background,” he said at the presentation of the letters of appointment to the NADI Advisory Panel chairmen for Kedah and Perlis here today.
According to him, 81 NADI centres operate in Kedah, while 17 are in Perlis. These centres serve as grassroots community platforms through the NADI Smart Services Programme, covering entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, self-wellbeing, awareness, and the delivery of various government initiatives.
Abdullah Izhar said the NADI approach gained international recognition after it won the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes in the Capacity Building category in Geneva last year.
“This year, NADI achieved another proud milestone by being recognised as the 16th Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) in the world by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),” he said.
He said today's event involved appointing NADI Advisory Panel chairmen for 15 parliamentary constituencies in Kedah and three in Perlis, who will serve as links between the community and NADI management.
He added that the panel is responsible for coordinating programmes, conveying local community feedback, and expanding the dissemination of accurate information about government policies and initiatives.
Abdullah Izhar said NADI's impact is evident in the success of community entrepreneurs, such as Nurul Atika Razib, owner of Bahtera Emas Legacy in Kedah, who expanded her traditional health products market through digital platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop.
"In Perlis, Hamizah Hassan, the founder of Embun Warisan Kayu, has successfully marketed local heritage-inspired woodwork products more widely, thanks to digital exposure and the use of e-commerce platforms," he said.
Apart from entrepreneurship, he said NADI also contributes to community educational development through programmes such as Tuisyen Rakyat (People's Tuition) and AI@NADI, which provide opportunities for students and the local community to enhance their digital skills and gain exposure to artificial intelligence.
-- BERNAMA
