A record 102 technology players were recognised at the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards this year, more than double the 52 winners recorded last year, as the awards expand to reflect the breadth of Malaysia’s digital ecosystem.
A highlight of the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards (PDEA) 2026 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.
Yasmin, currently executive chairman of Jasa Kita Berhad, 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.
More than 1,100 industry leaders, government representatives and technology professionals attended the gala dinner, the largest dinner in PIKOM’s 40-year history.
PIKOM chairman Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alex Liew said the record participation demonstrated the strength and diversity of Malaysia’s technology ecosystem.
He said the higher number of recipients did not make PDEA easier to win, with every submission required to meet stringent qualification requirements before being independently assessed against defined criteria.
Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Malaysia must move beyond simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere as the country advances towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030.
His speech was delivered on his behalf by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah.
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,” Gobind said.
He called on the digital industry to become a proactive architect of Malaysia’s future by working with the government on practical regulatory environments, 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.
Gobind also urged the award recipients to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a technology bridge for Southeast Asia by developing interoperable platforms and localised artificial intelligence models that reflect the region’s languages, markets and security priorities.
He said AI and advanced digital solutions must also be accessible to micro, small and medium enterprises, for which digital adoption was increasingly becoming a matter of survival rather than an optional investment.
Industry players were also encouraged to submit their views and proposals for Budget 2027 through the Ministry of Finance’s official portal.
PDEA has grown from 34 winners in its inaugural edition in 2024 to 52 last year and 102 this year. New categories were introduced in 2026 to recognise emerging innovations that are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.
Liew said the award winners demonstrated Malaysia’s ability to develop solutions of regional and global significance.
We hope the recognition will strengthen confidence in their organisations, motivate their teams and help showcase Malaysian capabilities to the region and the world,” he said.
PDEA winners may also have the opportunity to represent Malaysia at regional and international awards organised by the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation, the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance and the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance.
The gala dinner also commemorated PIKOM’s 40th anniversary under the theme “Celebration, Recognition and Inclusivity”.
As part of the celebration, 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.
PIKOM also expressed its appreciation to its 2026 corporate partners Maxis, U Mobile and China Mobile International, as well as media partner Media Prima, for supporting the awards and its wider industry initiatives.
Read more:
New Malaysian Evidence For Cancer Nutrition Care Underpins Pharm-D Health Science-NCSM’s “1,000 Cans Of Hope” Initiative
