MALAYSIA’S NADI Digital Inclusion Project has been named a top laureate at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2025, earning international acclaim for its impact in bringing digital literacy and connectivity to one of the country’s most isolated island communities.
The award was presented to Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, during a formal ceremony in Geneva.
Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) alongside UN agencies, the WSIS Prizes recognise outstanding information and communication technology (ICT) projects that support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Malaysia’s winning entry, NADI Pulau Banggi, emerged champion in the ‘C4: Capacity Building’ category. The initiative was recognised for providing digital education, skills training, and new economic pathways to the residents of Pulau Banggi, located off Sabah’s northern coast.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award on Malaysia’s behalf,” Fahmi said in a statement issued by the MCMC on Monday. “The NADI project in Pulau Banggi reflects the MADANI Government’s pledge that no one shall be left behind in the digital age. This is a victory for the community, which embraced digital literacy for a better future, and for all Malaysians who share our vision of inclusive progress.”
Bringing Digital Lifelines to Pulau Banggi
Roughly 70 kilometres from Kudat and reachable only by ferry or speedboat, Pulau Banggi is home to some 20,000 residents whose livelihoods primarily depend on fishing, rubber tapping and palm oil. Historically underserved due to its remoteness, the island had limited access to education, healthcare and the internet.
Through the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), the NADI project established a digital community hub equipped with high-speed internet, enabling locals—including fishermen, students, women and micro-business owners—to benefit from digital services and training.
The project’s impact is already tangible: youths are acquiring ICT skills, women are launching online micro-enterprises, and entrepreneurs are accessing broader markets.
With Pulau Banggi as a blueprint, the programme is now expanding to other areas with limited coverage, including Pulau Mandi Darah.
The long-term target is nationwide rollout by 2035, supported by scalable training modules, dedicated community centres and sustained funding—particularly across Sabah and Sarawak.
Pulau Ketam’s Stingray II Project Also Wins
Malaysia secured a second win with the Stingray II Project on Pulau Ketam, which was awarded champion in the ‘C2: Information and Communication Infrastructure’ category. The initiative involved laying a 46.4-kilometre submarine fibre optic cable from Kapar to Pulau Ketam, significantly upgrading the island’s internet connectivity.
The new infrastructure has allowed students to continue their education online, families to access telemedicine, and small businesses to participate more actively in the digital economy.
A Milestone in Malaysia’s Digital Equity Drive
Both awards reflect Malaysia’s broader commitment to digital equity, ensuring that even remote communities can participate fully in the digital age.
“NADI is not merely a project,” the Ministry of Communications stated. “It is a national commitment to equitable access and opportunity. This global recognition cements NADI’s standing as one of the world’s most effective models of digital inclusion.” - July 7, 2025
