The PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards (PDEA) 2026 honoured a record 102 technology players, more than double last year’s 52 winners, reflecting the expanding breadth of Malaysia’s digital ecosystem.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the PIKOM Tech Luminary Award to Datuk (Dr) Yasmin Mahmood, recognising 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 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 noted that the higher number of recipients did not make PDEA easier to win, as every submission had to meet stringent qualification requirements before being independently assessed against defined criteria.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, whose speech was delivered on his behalf by MDEC chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah, said Malaysia must move beyond simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere as it 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,” 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 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 added that AI and advanced digital solutions must be accessible to micro, small and medium enterprises, for which digital adoption is increasingly 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 Organization, 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.
