APICTA Awards 2024 Welcoming Gala and Official Opening
Sembah Alu-Aluan
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Bin Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications as Advisor of APICTA Awards 2024 Working Committee
Date:
Wednesday, 3 Jamadilakhir 1446H/4 December 2024M,
8.00 Pm
Venue:
Indera Samudera Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei
Bismillah Hirrahman Nirrahim
Alhamdullilahi Rabbil `Alameen Wasaalatu Wassalaamu `Ala Asyrafil Ambiae Walmursaleen, Saidina Muhammadin Wa’alaa Aalihiee Wasahbihee Ajama’een.
Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
1. Mengadap Kehadapan Majlis Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.
Beribu Ampun,
2. Alhamdulillah, abis Hamba Duli Tuanku memanjatkan rasa syukur kehadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, kerana dengan izinNya jua, Majlis Perasmian dan Sambutan Gala Anugerah Perikatan ICT Asia Pasifik atau Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) 2024, dapat dilangsungkan pada malam ini.
3. Hamba Duli Tuanku, dan juga bagi mewakili Ahli-ahli Jawatankuasa Kerja Anugerah APICTA 2024, menjunjung kasih setinggi-tingginya jua atas perkenan bagi keberangkatan Duli Tuanku sebagai Tetamu Kehormat pada majlis malam ini, dan seterusnya untuk merasmikan bermulanya aktiviti-aktiviti yang menjerus kepada penghadiahan Anugerah APICTA 2024 pada hari terakhir, iaitu hari Sabtu, 7hb Disember 2024.
4. Sebelum meneruskan sembah alu-aluan Hamba Duli Tuanku ini, Hamba Duli Tuanku menjunjung sabda perkenan Duli Tuanku bagi Hamba Duli Tuanku menyampaikan ucapan seterusnya di dalam bahasa inggeris. Menjunjung kasih.
Your Royal Highness,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera, and a Very Good Evening,
5. On behalf of myself, the APICTA Awards 2024 Working Committee, the APICTA Executive Committee members and all participants from the APICTA economies, we are truly honoured, humbled and extremely delighted with the presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah lbni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Senior Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office for gracing the Welcoming Gala and Official Opening of the APICTA Awards 2024 this evening.
6. Your Royal Highness’s gracious presence serves as witness to Your Royal Highness’s strong interest and advocacy towards not only the field of technology innovation and ICT development, but also with respect to human development, camaraderie and collaboration. These are values, that APICTA, an association of ICT communities also strongly upholds.
7. I would also like to warmly welcome the APICTA Chairman, Mr. Fulvio Inserra, the APICTA Executive Committee members, distinguished APICTA Judges, as well as the APICTA participants and delegations from member economies who have come from far and wide to join us here in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam welcomes you all with our hearts.
Your Royal Highness,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. The development of information and communications technology (ICT) has significantly contributed towards the economic growth and competitiveness of the Asia Pacific economies. At the same time, according to Capital Finance International, the Asia Pacific region is a driving force in global innovation.
9. Comprising a mix of established tech powerhouses and rapidly expanding economies, the region is shaping the global start-up scene with its blend of ambition, government support, and thriving megacities. This region is a hub for innovation beyond traditional centers, with unique start-up ecosystems that are pushing the boundaries of entrepreneurship.
10. It is for this reason, that we are truly privileged to be part of this region’s ICT community, who come together in the spirit of collaboration, forming a cooperative network to promote technology innovation and encouraging the development of indigenous ICT solutions for the global market via an annual awards program.
11. It brings together, the brightest minds, the most groundbreaking ideas, and the strongest of networks to showcase the incredible advancements that are driving digital transformation.
12. In Brunei Darussalam, we firmly believe that technology is a powerful enabler of progress. Our nation has long been committed to fostering a culture of innovation, empowering our young talents, and promoting the development of a robust digital ecosystem. We recognize that the digital economy is not only about advancements in technology but also about creating opportunities for growth, education, and sustainability across all sectors of society.
13. The APICTA Awards provide a remarkable platform for recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the ICT sector. It highlights the creativity, resilience, and dedication of individuals and organizations that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These awards not only honor excellence but also inspire others to continue their journeys of innovation and excellence in ICT.
Your Royal Highness,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. Tonight, we gather to celebrate the collective achievement of all those who have contributed to this dynamic field. I am pleased to hear that we have received the highest number of entries in APICTA’s history with 280 entries from 15 of APICTA’s member economies.
15. The nominees here tonight represent among the very best of innovation and creativity, and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to each one of you. Your hard work and dedication are a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators in the ICT industry. I have no doubt that your work will continue to inspire future generations of ICT professionals.
16. As we all know, technology today is evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. It also means staying current with emerging technologies and the latest technology trends where IT professionals especially, but the same goes for all professionals, will constantly be learning, unlearning, and relearning.
17. As we progress through the APICTA Awards into this new ever evolving digital era, we recognize that collaboration is the key to success. The future of ICT is not just about individual achievements, that technology is not just about products and solutions. — it is about people, partnerships, and possibilities. It is about working together to build a sustainable, inclusive, and connected future for all. This is the essence of what the APICTA Awards represent—creating a platform for the exchange of ideas, the sharing of knowledge, and the advancement of technology for the greater good of society.
18. Whilst doing so, to our international guests, lets also not forget to enjoy the sights and sounds of Brunei Darussalam by experiencing first-hand of what we can offer. Our country is deeply honored to host you, and I encourage you to experience its unique charm during your stay and entice you to visit again.
19. At this juncture, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the APICTA Awards 2024 Working Committee, our esteemed partners, and sponsors for making this event possible and be able to show the best of Brunei to our guests. Your unwavering support not only ensures the continued success of the awards but also contributes to enhancing the region's collective capabilities in the global digital economy.
20. Before ending, please allow me again on behalf of the Working Committee to thank His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota - Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah - lbni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Senior Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office for gracing tonight’s event.
21. Last but certainly not least, we extend our best wishes to all delegates for a pleasant stay in Brunei Darussalam and a successful APICTA Awards 2024.
Beribu Ampun,
22. Sekian sahaja ucapan hamba Duli Tuanku kepada para delegasi dari luar negara yang menghadiri APICTA Awards 2024 ini.
23. Sebelum hamba Duli Tuanku mengundur diri, izinkan hamba Duli Tuanku sekali lagi menyembahkan setinggi-tinggi menjunjung kasih di atas keberangkatan Duli Tuanku bercemar duli ke Majlis Majlis Perasmian dan Sambutan Gala Anugerah APICTA 2024 dan seterusnya berkenan merasmikan Anugerah APICTA 2024.
24. Pada mengakhiri sembah alu-aluan hamba Duli Tuanku ini, hamba Duli Tuanku dengan rendah diri menyembahkan berbanyak-banyak menjunjung ampun sekiranya terdapat sorok langkah dan tutur kata yang kurang manis dan sebarang kekurangan, sama ada ketika menjunjung keberangkatan Duli Tuanku pada Majlis ini, ataupun dalam sepanjang acara menyaksikan persembahan yang akan disembahkan pada malam ini.
Sekian. Wabillahi Taufik Wal Hidayah Wassalamu ‘alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Hamba Duli Tuan Ku menjunjung anugeraha.