MALAYSIA TIPPED TO SCOOP APICTA AWARDS

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, Dec 16 (Bernama) -– Malaysian participants in 2009 Asia Pacific
ICT Awards (APICTA) which began here Tuesday have already impressed the
international judges.

"The judges spoke highly of the performances of our Malaysians and I was
pleased to hear their comments," said Niran Noor, vice-president of the
Branding and Marketing Division, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC).

Niran said the general standard of the Malaysians had improved significantly
since last year's APICTA in Jakarta when Malaysia won three awards and four
merit awards.

The judges told Niran the Malaysians had offered "very good solutions"
after the first day's judging and Niran was confident the Malaysian delegation
would win several awards.

Groups from 16 countries are taking part in the awards programme which is
designed to stimulate information communication technology innovations and
creativity. Awards will be given out for 15 categories.

Malaysia has representatives from 22 companies, three universities and two
secondary schools.

The 70-member contingent is led by Abdul Halim Ali, chairman of
MDeC.

"Our main competition will come from Australia and Hongkong....But we have
improved a lot and should do well," Niran said.

The awards will be announced Thursday night at a gala dinner at the Crown
Entertainment Complex here.

--BERNAMA