Four new categories at d-Awards to recognise digital players

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) is set to host d-Awards 2020, in line with the government’s aim to expand the fastest growing sector in the country and boost digital industry player participation towards a better economy.

d-Awards is the first of its kind to recognise those who produce digital content, services and products.

Four new sub-categories under the Digital Person of the Year Award will be introduced next year – Best in E-Commerce Marketing Campaign, Best Influencer of the Year, Best Influencer Marketing Campaign and Rising Star.

MDA chairman Serm Tech Choon said the new categories will recognise local talent, agencies, brands, publishers and digital service providers.

“We want to acknowledge the contributions of our digital players in this advancing digital ecosystem,” said Serm, who is also country head of CtrlShift Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Serm added that MDA is supportive of the government’s digital-first economy as outlined in Budget 2020 to develop industry talent to respond to disruptions in business, and foresee and seize opportunities that arise. In this respect, new categories are added accordingly each year. d-Awards 2020 organising chairman Nicholas Sagau Tony Ngimat said key categories have been added since 2018, and cited a few – Best Use of Digital Innovation, Best Platform Development, Best Tech Developer and Best Digital Publisher of The Year.

“These reflect the shift towards a more inclusive approach in recognising industry practitioners with the capacity to innovate and contribute to Malaysia’s digital economy.

“Our digital economy is increasing annually and we must meet the corresponding demand for a digital-centric workforce that is vital to sustain the expansion,” said Nicholas, who is also group general manager of Media Prima Digital.

MDA hopes d-Awards will help accelerate the adoption of the latest technologies to create more value. All campaigns, projects and products executed and developed in Malaysia between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2019 are eligible for entry.

Early bird submission ends on Dec 30 while the final deadline is on Jan 7. For details, terms and conditions, visit www.dawards.com.my