Malaysia’s efforts to build a robust digital talent ecosystem received a major boost with the Huawei ICT Competition Malaysia 2024-2025 awards ceremony. Held in Putrajaya, the event recognised 16 outstanding students and instructors as grand prize winners across the Cloud, Network, Computing, and Innovation competition tracks.
This year’s competition attracted over 1,200 participants from 40 public and private universities, underscoring its significance as a platform for nurturing the next generation of ICT leaders. The awards ceremony was co-organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia).
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) claimed the top spot in the Innovation Track, led by instructor Chong Yung Wey and students Lim Miin Ning, Naomi Tham Kah Mun, and Bok Wei Hong. Celebrating the achievement, USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed remarked, “USM’s victory at the national level of the Huawei ICT Competition’s Innovation Track demonstrates our continued excellence in nurturing innovative minds, enhancing our graduates’ employability and industry readiness while reinforcing our position as a leading institution in technological advancement.”
Universiti Malaya (UM) triumphed in the Cloud Track, represented by instructor Dr Rafidah Binti Md Noor and students Chew Ying Ying, Lee Xim Er, and Cheu Zi Yuan. Dr Rafidah described the award as a testament to collaboration and innovation in ICT, stating, “This grand prize is not just a trophy. It is a symbol of what we can achieve together and the endless possibilities of ICT. Thank you, Huawei ICT Academy Malaysia, for this amazing opportunity!”
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) took home the grand prize in the Network Track, with instructor Ahmad Alauddin Ariffin guiding students Nurul Natasha Nabilah Mohd Dino, Nur A’in A’liya Ahmad Alauddin, and Anis Nadira Noor Maisam. UPM’s Nurul Natasha expressed her gratitude, saying, “This achievement means even more because it’s my second time in the competition, and I finally made it further this year. I am so thankful for the support and guidance from my instructors, who were always there to help us. I feel excited and ready to give my best as we prepare for the Regional Stage ahead.”
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR, Kampar) excelled in the Computing Track, with instructor Dr Aun Yichiet leading students Liew Zheng Xian, Ng Shi Qi, and Har Sze Hao. Reflecting on the win, Dr Aun noted, “Winning the Computing Track in the Huawei ICT Competition is a moment of deep pride. It feels like serendipity—the right people, the right effort, and the right partnership with Huawei all coming together. It is always rewarding to see our students grow, thrive, and eventually create a meaningful impact on society. Huawei has built an incredible talent community and taught us that success is not always a straight line, but with grit and guidance, we can navigate our way toward our goals.”
Recognising Excellence
Six educators were honoured with the Huawei Malaysia Most Dedicated Instructors 2024 awards, including Dr Lee Sui Ping (Xiamen University Malaysia), Dr Ng Kok Why and Dr Lee Fong Yee (Multimedia University), Dr Tan Soo Fun (Universiti Malaysia Sabah), and Dr Noorhayati Md Noor and Dr Azliza Mohd Ali (Universiti Teknologi MARA).
Six institutions received the Huawei Malaysia Outstanding ICT Academies 2024 awards, recognising their leadership in ICT education. The winners were Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Multimedia University, Universiti Malaya, Xiamen University Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and INTI International College Penang.
All grand prize winners will represent Malaysia at the regional stage in February 2025, further showcasing the nation’s ICT talent on an international platform.
During the ceremony, UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Hj Mansur lauded Huawei’s commitment to education, which aligns with UMS’s mission to cultivate skilled leaders and advance digital transformation.
The event also witnessed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange between MOHE and Huawei Malaysia, formalising collaboration in emerging technologies, resource sharing, and the development of state-of-the-art facilities.
Earlier in the day, Huawei Malaysia hosted the Digital Talent Forum Day 2024, gathering over 100 instructors from 30 universities and industry leaders to discuss strategies for advancing ICT education and driving digital transformation in the sector.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud officiated the awards ceremony, representing Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Distinguished guests included Higher Education Ministry Secretary General Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Zaini Ujang and Higher Education Director-General Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda Azman.
The Huawei ICT Competition continues to be a cornerstone for cultivating Malaysia’s digital talent, propelling the nation toward becoming a leader in the global digital economy. 
