(From left) Sinchew Media Corporation Bhd group content and strategy chief operating officer Tan Lee Chin, Pranav, Wilson, MDEC business services head Razif Abd Aziz, Dattel Asia Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ashran Ghazi and REV Media Group chief operating officer Nicholas Sagau at the event.
Keeping apace with as well as ahead of technology, the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) gathered the nation’s leading experts in an annual event.
Held at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre, Nexus, Bangsar South, the d Conference and d Awards saw industry leaders discussing top case studies.
They also shared the latest trends in the ever-evolving digital space.
This year’s, the gathering was themed “Unleash Possibilities” to encourage innovative approaches and the use of new resources.
Numbering over 300, the participants included key players from digital marketing and advertising, education, and the government.
Panel discussions, debates and focus sessions saw lively discussions.
In his opening address, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong spoke about Malaysia’s adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).
He issued a clarion call to the attendees to unleash their creativity and capitalise on the limitless possibilities of the future.
“The government has facilitated foreign investment in the AI sector, created demand for AI in public service delivery, and built the capabilities of the public to adopt AI,” he said.
“We are now counting on you to rise up to the challenge and drive innovation.
“I encourage you to set up incubators to provide mentorship, and invest in AI startups to foster growth.
“Forge collaboration with regional and global partners to bring best practice to Malaysia.”
Throughout the one-day event, speakers and panellists shared insights on navigating the cookie-less era, developing small screen strategy, building customer trust and rethinking metrics.
MDA d Awards and d Conference 2024 organising chairman and GroupM Malaysia performance media head Pranav Jha said this year’s conference had been a fruitful journey of discussions, ideas and networking.
“Each session brought us a step closer to understanding the digital landscape better and equipped us with the knowledge to navigate it more effectively,” he said.
Organised in tandem with d Conference, the d Awards celebrated talents and brands in the digital technology sphere.
This year, 25 agencies and publishers submitted a record number of 384 entries.
“Our participants pushed the boundaries of what is possible and set new standards of excellence.
“From cutting-edge projects to inspiring performances, the diversity and quality of submissions have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Pranav.
Now in its sixth year, d Awards 2024 featured 26 categories.
These included six new additions, in response to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Among these six categories were Best E-Commerce Company of the Year and Best Use of Display/Rich Media.
In total, seven golds, along with silvers and bronzes, were awarded to deserving recipients.
Mindshare Group, which emerged as Digital Company of the Year, also clinched the Grand Prix.
MDA president Eileen Ooi remarked that d Awards was more than just a celebration of achievements.
The event, she said, was a reflection of a collective journey towards excellence.
“Each project, each campaign, and each innovation we celebrate tonight is a testament to the talent, dedication and vision of the individuals and teams behind them,” said Ooi.
“You have all pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and set new benchmarks in the digital landscape.
“Your wins have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our industry, to innovate, and to inspire.
“The achievements we celebrate tonight are not just milestones; they are the building blocks of our digital future.”
The d Awards attracted over 500 participants including association leaders, strategic planners, creative directors and chief marketing officers.
