Abang Johari (ninth left) and distinguished guests pose for a picture with the Land and Survey Department Samarahan Division team. Photo: JaPen

KUCHING: Team Bistari from the Samarahan Land and Survey Department clinched the highest honour at the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA) 2024, winning the coveted Sarawak Innovation Premier Award and a top cash prize of RM15,000.

Held successfully last night (Oct 25), the SCSICA 2024 featured 12 award categories that spotlighted outstanding efforts and innovation from 50 Innovative and Creative Groups (KIK) that reached the finals in this prestigious event.

In addition to the Sarawak Innovation Premier Award, Team Bistari also emerged as the winner of the SCS Main Agency category, further cementing their success at this year’s convention.

The awards were presented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Resident and District Office category saw Team IPOK from the Mukah Division Resident Office taking the title, while Team Lengkang Wijaya from SMK Agama Miri triumphed in the Federal category.

Each category winner received RM5,000, recognising their efforts in pushing the boundaries of public service innovation.

The convention also introduced a new Sustainability Innovation Award, which was awarded to Team Sirius Prime from Miri City Council.

This award, presented for the first time, celebrates KIK projects that exemplify sustainable practices, aligning with Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development.

Held as the climax of the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Month (SCSIMon), which started on September 25 with the theme ‘Excellence in Service Delivery Rooted in Integrity and Innovation,’ the SCSICA is a significant occasion for honouring innovative efforts across the civil service.

Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki described Innovation Month 2024 as more than just an annual celebration; it is an ongoing initiative to foster a culture of integrity and innovation among Sarawak’s public servants.

Leading the event, Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit (STIU) Director Superi Awang Said highlighted the importance of recognising public service innovation that is grounded in integrity.

He noted that such projects not only elevate the quality of public service but also strengthen public trust in government institutions.

The SCSICA drew an audience of 900 civil servants from across Sarawak, positioning its role as a key platform for promoting integrity and innovation in public service—contributions that align with Sarawak’s 2030 Aspirations.