Since its introduction in 2004, the Brunei Info-Communications Technology Awards (BICTA) has served as a platform to encourage ICT competition among individuals, students, the public and private organisations.
In line with the current developments and technological advancement, several improvements have been made and implemented to enhance the coordination of BICTA including a broader participation.
This was said by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof in his capacity as the co-chairman of the BICTA 2023 Steering Committee during a prize presentation yesterday.
He added that the improvements made include updating the BICTA Steering Committee membership, introducing new categories and implementing various initiatives to enhance competitiveness and resilience of participants and their products.
He said this year’s competition recorded 92 entries to date, an 82 per-cent increase from last year.
“This development illustrates the whole-of-nation approach at play, with support from all stakeholders to harness the potentials of digital transformation,” said Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri.
In line with the introduction of new categories, the number of judges appointed for this year’s competition had also increased to two with a composition of more diverse backgrounds and expertise from the government, private sector, industry experts and academia, he added.
He said that shortly after the BICTA 2023 was opened for participation, several promotional sessions and BICTA Plus Bootcamp sessions were carried on.
“As a result of integrated efforts from various parties, including the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre, the Ministry of Education’s Department of Schools, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Department of Islamic Studies, BICTA promotional activities from May to July reached over 500 students from government and private schools, and higher education institutions nationwide,” he added.
The BICTA Plus Bootcamp, aimed to guide idea development (ideation and validation), marketing, and technical skills, recorded encouraging response, he said.
Over 240 students from 40 primary and secondary schools and higher education institutions joined the two-month bootcamp, which began in July. – Rokiah Mahmud
