The Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) 2024 is now open for participation, carrying the theme ‘Smart Nation Through Digital Transformation’.
The annual competition emphasises the importance of innovation and the development of new technologies to support digital transformation and drive economic and social development for this country.
This year is the ‘Year of the Royal Patron Award’ for BICTA which gives recognition to the best out of the best among all winners of BICTA 2024.
There are ten categories opened for individuals, students, businesses, government agencies and interested organisations namely, Main – Consumer and Business Services; Inclusion and Community Services; Industrial and Public and Government; School (Individual or Group) – Primary (Year 4 to 6); Secondary (Year 7 to 11); and Tertiary School (Year 12 until undergraduate); and Cross – Start Up; Research & Development; and Technology.
The submission of an entry in the Main Category (except for the Student Category) can also enter either one of the categories in the Cross Categories, subject to availability. The deadline for entry submission is 30 May 2024.
Furthermore, BICTA 2024 will also present five Smart Nation Awards to a non-winning entry which has fulfilled Brunei’s Smart Nation vision of digital transformation for improved quality of life, public services, schools, safety, mobility of people and to achieve environment sustainability within the applications of the five specific sectors, namely Tourism, Agriculture, Construction, Logistics & Transport and Education.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), as the Co-Chairman I of the BICTA 2024 Steering Committee was hopeful for more participation and creativity this year, judged to be more innovative, competitive and have an impact on the ICT landscape.
“Alhamdullilah, BICTA has reached its 20th anniversary since its inception in 2004 and to commemorate this, BICTA has introduced a Special Award to recognise and appreciate the services of active individuals and leadership contributions in leading BICTA’s journey, including international ICT competitions namely, Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards,” he said.
He added: “This BICTA Special Award will be awarded to six recipients from the industry, school supervisors and leaders, namely for the Most Active Individual Participation Award and the BICTA Service Award.”
The recipients for ‘Most Active Individual Participation’ are Haji Muhammad Zuwaini Haji Aliyani (Ma’had Islam Brunei), Matthew Wong (Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan), Pengiran Khairi Pengiran Haji Metussin (Mindtrex Academy) and Sarinah Ziziumiza (Rumine Corporation).
They are BICTA past participants from the industry as well as supervising teachers for the school’s participation in BICTA, who have demonstrated full dedication and high commitment through consistent participation and have strived to achieve winning awards in APICTA.
Meanwhile, for ‘BICTA Service Appreciation’ are Dr Yong Chee Tuan and Sheikh Haji Abas Sheikh Mohamad. These are individuals comprising leaders and individuals who have made significant contributions towards the progress of BICTA and have been actively involved in the leadership of APICTA.
BICTA, which was first introduced in 2004, is an annual ICT competition jointly organised by the MTIC, AITI and IFB, supported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Education and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).
Also included in the BICTA 2024 activity is the BICTA Plus Bootcamp, a specialised training and mentoring programme for BICTA participants to enhance their skills and abilities in various areas before competing.
Among the topics covered in the programme include ideation and validation, business and financial planning, marketing strategy, pitching and presentation skills as well as design and thinking.
BICTA is a component of the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards where the quality and categories provided are in line with APICTA standards. Brunei’s participation in APICTA since 2008 has achieved four winning awards and thirty-two merit awards to date.
The winners of BICTA 2024 will represent the country in the APICTA 2024 which will be held end of this year in Brunei Darussalam.
All primary, secondary and tertiary schools, as well as local individuals, MSMEs, government agencies and organisational bodies having their own ICT products and services are encouraged to participate.
More details regarding participation and the application form can be found on the BICTA website at www.bicta.gov.bn.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
