KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Digital Inclusive NADI Project has been named a champion of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2025, receiving global recognition for its efforts to empower remote communities through digital skills and connectivity.
The award, under the category ‘C4: Capacity Building’, was presented at an official ceremony in Geneva to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who said the honour reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring no Malaysian is left behind in the digital era.
“I’m deeply honoured to accept this WSIS Prize on behalf of Malaysia,” said Fahmi in a statement issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“The Digital Inclusive NADI Project in Pulau Banggi reflects the Madani government’s commitment to ensuring no one is marginalised in the digital age.
“This achievement belongs to the community who have embraced digital skills for a better future, and to all Malaysians who support a connected and inclusive nation.”
Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with United Nations agencies, the WSIS Prizes celebrate ICT initiatives that drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pulau Banggi, located about 70km from Kudat and accessible only by ferry or speedboat, is home to around 20,000 people whose livelihoods largely rely on fishing, oil palm, and rubber.
Its remoteness has long hindered access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Under Malaysia’s Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) plan, the NADI initiative established a community digital hub on the island, offering high-speed internet access and ICT training to fishermen, farmers, students, and small business owners — equipping them with essential skills for the digital economy.
The project has transformed lives: local youths have gained ICT skills, women have launched micro-businesses online, and entrepreneurs have expanded their markets.
Following its success in Pulau Banggi, the programme is being extended to other underserved areas, including Pulau Mandi Darah, with nationwide rollout planned by 2035 through scalable training modules, community hubs, and long-term financing in Sabah and Sarawak.
In addition, Pulau Ketam Stingray II Project was recognised as a champion in the ‘C2: Information and Communication Infrastructure’ category for providing high-speed connectivity via a 46.4-kilometre undersea fibre optic cable between Kapar and Pulau Ketam.
The infrastructure has enabled students to engage in online learning, families to access telemedicine services, and small businesses to grow digitally.
These accolades underscore Malaysia’s commitment to digital equity — ensuring that even the most remote citizens are not left behind.
“NADI is more than just a project — it is a commitment to ensuring every Malaysian has equal digital opportunities,” said Fahmi.
“This achievement reaffirms NADI’s position as one of the most unique and impactful digital inclusion programmes in the world.” — July 7, 2025