The future of Malaysia’s digital transformation was on full display at the Huawei ICT Competition Malaysia 2024–2025 awards ceremony, where 16 students and instructors were crowned grand prize winners across the Cloud, Network, Computing, and Innovation tracks. The competition, aimed at nurturing Malaysia’s next generation of ICT talent, drew participation from over 1,200 students representing 40 public and private universities nationwide.
Co-organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the event recognised the outstanding achievements of students and instructors from some of the country’s top universities.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) took home the grand prize for the Innovation Track, led by instructor Chong Yung Wey and students Lim Miin Ning, Naomi Tham Kah Mun, and Bok Wei Hong. Reflecting on the achievement, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, said, “USM’s victory in the Innovation Track of the Huawei ICT Competition reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing creative minds and enhancing graduate employability. This success reinforces our standing as a key driver of technological progress and industry-ready talent.”
Universiti Malaya (UM) triumphed in the Cloud Track, represented by instructor Dr Rafidah Md Noor and students Chew Ying Ying, Lee Xim Er, and Cheu Zi Yuan. Sharing her thoughts on the win, Dr Rafidah said, “This grand prize symbolizes the boundless potential of ICT. Our journey to this point is a reflection of teamwork, persistence, and the incredible opportunities presented by the Huawei ICT Academy Malaysia.”
The Network Track grand prize was claimed by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), represented by instructor Ahmad Alauddin Ariffin and students Nurul Natasha Nabilah Mohd Dino, Nur A’in A’liya Ahmad Alauddin, and Anis Nadira Noor Maisam. Sharing her excitement, Nurul Natasha Nabilah said, “This is my second attempt at this competition, and I’m proud to have gone further this year. The support from my instructors played a big role in our success. As we prepare for the regional stage, I’m determined to continue giving my best.”
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR, Kampar campus) secured the grand prize for the Computing Track, with instructor Dr Aun Yichiet guiding students Liew Zheng Xian, Ng Shi Qi, and Har Sze Hao to victory. Expressing his pride, Dr Aun said, “This achievement is the result of the right people, the right effort, and a strong partnership with Huawei. Watching our students grow and succeed on this stage is incredibly rewarding. Huawei’s ecosystem has shown us that success requires patience, determination, and continuous learning.”
The competition also honoured educators and institutions for their commitment to advancing ICT education. The Huawei Malaysia Most Dedicated Instructors 2024 awards were presented to six educators for their outstanding contributions to nurturing ICT talent:
- Dr Lee Sui Ping (Xiamen University Malaysia)
- Dr Ng Kok Why (Multimedia University)
- Dr Lee Fong Yee (Multimedia University)
- Dr Tan Soo Fun (Universiti Malaysia Sabah)
- Dr Noorhayati Md Noor (Universiti Teknologi MARA)
- Dr Azliza Mohd Ali (Universiti Teknologi MARA)
Additionally, six universities were recognised as Huawei Malaysia Outstanding ICT Academies 2024 for their excellence in fostering digital education:
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM)
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
- INTI International College Penang
During the awards ceremony, Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Hj Mansur, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), highlighted the alignment between Huawei’s commitment to education and UMS’s mission to nurture future leaders in digital transformation. The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MOHE and Huawei Malaysia, which will enable the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices in emerging technologies.
The MoU will facilitate access to Huawei’s state-of-the-art facilities and provide students and educators with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies. This partnership aims to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in ICT education and digital transformation.
Earlier in the day, Huawei Malaysia hosted the Digital Talent Forum Day 2024, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and MOHE. This forum brought together over 100 instructors from 30 universities, along with government, academia, and industry representatives, to discuss the future of ICT education. The event focused on innovative teaching practices, the role of ICT in the digital economy, and strategies to accelerate digital transformation in higher education.
The grand prize winners from Malaysia’s Cloud, Network, Computing, and Innovation tracks will now prepare for the regional stage of the Huawei ICT Competition, set to take place in February 2025. This stage will provide Malaysia’s top ICT talents with a chance to compete with their peers from across the region, showcasing their skills on a larger stage.
With continued support from Huawei Malaysia, MOHE, and participating universities, Malaysia’s best and brightest ICT talents are well-positioned to shine on the international stage, reflecting the nation’s growing digital competitiveness.
