KUCHING: The Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) hosted its annual appreciation ceremony last night, honouring the exceptional contributions of its personnel, retirees, and media partners over the past year.
The event, officiated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, celebrated outstanding achievements and reinforced the state unit’s key role in state communications.
Director Samuel Simon thanked the team for their dedication and excellence.
“On behalf of all UKAS personnel, I thank the Almighty for allowing us to gather for this meaningful occasion. Tonight, we honour 14 outstanding staff members for their exemplary performance in 2023 and celebrate the contributions of our retirees, whose efforts have shaped UKAS’s success,” he said at a leading hotel, here.
The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of awards sponsored by Abdullah, recognising exceptional staff performance and media contributions during the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and Para SUKMA.
“The awards are based on clear and specific criteria, ensuring fair recognition for each recipient. Such acknowledgment motivates the entire UKAS team to deliver even better results in the future,” Samuel added.
He highlighted UKAS’ remarkable performance over the past year, including production of 18,359 UKAS bulletins, TikTok platform reaching 10.8 million views, Facebook garnering 2.7 million reach with 243,738 followers, creation of 1,259 infographics and conducting 32 live-streaming sessions, compilation of 3,448 press clippings, 195 video montages, and resolution of 1,584 issues, and organising 463 media-related activities and producing 34 field reports.
He noted that UKAS strengthened its collaboration with media partners such as TVS, RTM, Bernama, FINAS, and Astro Awani, ensuring Sarawak’s success as host of SUKMA and Para SUKMA 2024.
“Our collective efforts not only showcased Sarawak’s achievements but also strengthened our ties with local and national media organisations,” Samuel said, adding that the unit’s accomplishments extended to hosting 18 Juh Randau sessions, installing 37 billboards, and creating teaser videos that reached 2.3 million people.
The unit also organised 16 training courses to enhance staff capabilities.
“These achievements are the result of the collective effort of every UKAS staff member. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed to this success,” Samuel said.
Meanwhile, in the photography competition, Muhammad Rais Sanusi came in first, followed by Mohamad Faitullah Morni (second) and Mohmad Nahari Nahar (third), while the article writing category saw Agnes Tugong taking the top spot, Jude Peter Toyat (second) and Mohammad Roji Abdullah (third).
Winners received certificates and cash prizes for their creative and impactful contributions.
Among the distinguished guests present were Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, UPPANS director Datuk Hamdan Sharbini, Department of Information director Helmy Hamid, Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB) CEO Samat Junai and AZAM Sarawak CEO Ali Suhaili.
