Record 102 Winners Honoured at Pikom Digital Excellence Awards 2026

A record 102 winners were honoured at the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards (PDEA) 2026, celebrating the organisations and individuals driving innovation and shaping Malaysia’s digital future.More than 1,100 industry leaders, government representatives and technology professionals attended the Gala Dinner at Sunway Resort Hotel, making it the largest dinner in PIKOM’s 40-year history.Now in its third year, PDEA has grown rapidly—from 34 winners in 2024 and 52 in 2025 to 102 this year. The 2026 edition also introduced new categories reflecting the growing influence of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies across industries.

Building and Owning Malaysia’s Digital Future

YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, was represented by MDEC Chairman Mr Ganesh Kumar Bangah, who delivered the Minister’s speech on his behalf.
YB Gobind said Malaysia must move beyond simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere as the country advances towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030.
“True digital sovereignty means moving from being passive consumers and manufacturing hubs to becoming creators, leaders, and owners of the very tools, architectures, and platforms driving the global economy,” he said.
He called on Malaysia’s digital industry to become a proactive architect of the country’s future by working with the Government on practical regulation, industry-led talent development and the effective implementation of national digital strategies.
“Government policies set the trajectory, but the private sector dictates the velocity. PIKOM is uniquely positioned to help the Government accelerate its digital ambitions,” he said.
YB Gobind also urged the award recipients to use their capabilities to position Malaysia as a technology bridge for Southeast Asia. This includes developing interoperable platforms and localised AI models that reflect the region’s languages, markets and security priorities.
He stressed that AI adoption must extend to micro, small and medium enterprises, for which advanced digital solutions were increasingly becoming a matter of survival rather than an optional investment.
YB Gobind also encouraged industry players to submit their proposals for Budget 2027 through the Ministry of Finance portal at belanjawan.mof.gov.my.

Record Growth and Stringent Assessment

PIKOM Chairman Adj. Prof. (Practice) Alex Liew said the record participation demonstrated the strength and diversity of Malaysia’s technology ecosystem.
“Tonight’s winners demonstrate Malaysia’s ability to create solutions of regional and global significance. They have earned this recognition through a demanding process, and we hope the award will strengthen confidence in their organisations, motivate their teams and showcase Malaysian capabilities to the region and the world,” he said.
Liew emphasised that the higher number of recipients did not make PDEA easier to win. Every submission had to meet stringent qualification requirements before being independently assessed against defined criteria, with scores reviewed and tabulated before the results were confirmed. The awards followed months of preparation by the PDEA Organising Committee and PIKOM Secretariat, including roadshows across five states, qualification assessments, judges’ briefings and the evaluation of a record number of submissions.
PDEA winners may also have the opportunity to represent Malaysia at regional and international awards organised by the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) and the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA).

Honouring a Malaysian Tech Luminary

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the PIKOM Tech Luminary Award to Datuk (Dr) Yasmin Mahmood for her extraordinary leadership, lasting influence and exceptional contribution to Malaysia’s technology industry.
Currently Executive Chairman of Jasa Kita Berhad, Datuk Yasmin previously served as Chief Executive Officer of MDEC, where she played a defining role in advancing Malaysia’s digital economy and strengthening its position on the global technology stage.
Her distinguished career also includes serving as Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia and holding senior leadership roles at Dell and Hewlett-Packard.
A widely respected thought leader, nation-builder and champion of inclusive digital progress, Datuk Yasmin has represented Malaysia and ASEAN on prominent international platforms. She has also been recognised among the world’s 100 most influential people in digital government.

Celebrating 40 Years of Pikom

The Gala Dinner commemorated PIKOM’s 40th anniversary under the theme “Celebration, Recognition and Inclusivity”.
PIKOM paid tribute to its 21 past Chairmen and recognised 41 member companies that have supported the association for between 25 and 40 years.
“As PIKOM enters its fifth decade, we will remain a bridge between government and industry, established leaders and emerging talent, and Malaysia and the global digital economy,” Liew said.