This year, the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA) showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of civil servants working to improve public service delivery across Sarawak. With 50 innovative projects competing, the convention illustrated Sarawak’s commitment to fostering a responsive, efficient, and technologically advanced civil service.
The following projects highlight how diverse teams across departments are implementing creative solutions to address real challenges faced by communities, improve safety, promote sustainability, and streamline government processes.
Driving Efficiency through Digital Transformation
Digitising government processes is a central theme among the winning projects, aligning with Sarawak’s vision of a smart state. The Digital Signing Solution (DSS) by Team E.V.O from the Jabatan Perbendaharaan Sarawak, for example, revolutionises document approvals, reducing the need for printing and manual signatures. This system enables officers to securely and swiftly sign journal vouchers, saving time and supporting Sarawak’s broader digitisation goals.
Another significant digital effort is the e-ZIN Platform by Team Ingenuity from Jabatan Tanah dan Survei Sarawak, which simplifies traffic permit applications through a responsive, multi-interface system. By allowing 24/7 online access, this solution speeds up application processing, reduces administrative workload, and improves transparency—a vital improvement for both applicants and department staff.
Enhancing Public Safety and Well-Being
Sarawak’s public safety efforts have also taken a leap forward with projects focused on protecting communities and improving infrastructure. The SMART RIVER SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM by Team 7-Rings from Lembaga Sungai-Sungai Sarawak is a cutting-edge solution designed to alert river users to dangerous currents in real time, reducing accident risks on the state’s busy waterways. This system exemplifies how modern technology can be harnessed to keep communities safe while promoting Sarawak’s reliance on its natural resources.
In addition, Team YELLOW BRIDGE from Jabatan Kerja Raya Sarawak introduced the ATRACS System, a remote-controlled traffic signalling system that addresses communication weaknesses during road maintenance. This innovation ensures that both road workers and drivers stay safe, reducing accidents and improving traffic flow during essential maintenance.
Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Public Service
Environmental sustainability remains a priority, as seen in initiatives that adopt eco-friendly approaches to waste and energy management. Team Anura from the Sarawak Tourism Board developed an Eco-Charging Station for the Rainforest World Music Festival, allowing festival-goers to charge their devices using solar power. This green innovation not only enhances visitor experience but also sets an example for other public events in Sarawak to embrace renewable energy solutions.
Food waste management was another area of focus, with Team Rainforest’s Food Waste Crusher Prototype reducing the volume of festival-generated waste by transforming food scraps into manageable pieces. This project supports effective waste management and aligns with the state’s sustainability goals, especially during large events where waste volume can be overwhelming.
Supporting Land Rights and Local Governance
Several projects at the convention addressed community-specific issues, such as land rights and governance. The Retrace System by Team Knights of Batang Lupar from Jabatan Tanah dan Survei Sri Aman utilises digital mapping to streamline Native Customary Rights (NCR) land boundary identification. This system offers landowners better clarity on their property lines, reducing boundary disputes and supporting secure land ownership—a critical need in Sarawak’s rural communities.
Similarly, Team Tapow 3.0 from Pentadbiran Bahagian Mukah developed ME4CoL, a tool that standardises monitoring of community and tribal leaders through key performance indicators (KPIs). By enhancing accountability and skill development, ME4CoL strengthens local governance, ensuring that leadership standards are upheld across communities.
Protecting Cultural Heritage through Technology
Sarawak’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage shines through in Team Muses’ Vanguard Artifact Security System, developed by Jabatan Muzium Sarawak. This smart device enhances artifact protection by detecting movement around museum displays and notifying staff through a smartphone app. As the state moves toward a digital economy, such initiatives are invaluable in protecting its rich history for future generations while reducing labour and security costs.
Innovations in Environmental Resource Management
Environmental monitoring projects like Team E-Vengers’ WASAP-1 Portable Water Sampling Device are also making a difference by enhancing resource management practices. WASAP-1 simplifies water sampling, cutting down on labor and safety risks for field staff while ensuring better water quality data. This portable device reflects the state’s commitment to resource conservation and environmental protection.
Team Macrophylla’s STIDC Asset Management System (SAMS) offers a glimpse into how digitised asset tracking can enhance forestry management. By centralising data on forestry assets, SAMS supports accountability and sustainability in one of Sarawak’s most vital industries.
Improving Operational Efficiency and Community Services
The importance of operational efficiency was demonstrated by Team D Power 8’s Tro-Lift Device, which simplifies the unloading of chairs and tables, particularly at large events. This ergonomic tool reduces labour strain and cuts down the costs associated with frequent manual handling, benefiting staff health and streamlining logistics.
The Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA) 2024 underscores the importance of innovation in public service. Through these impactful projects, Sarawak’s civil servants have shown remarkable creativity and commitment to addressing the state’s unique challenges.
Whether through digital transformation, sustainable practices, public safety, or cultural preservation, these initiatives exemplify how the Sarawak civil service is evolving to better serve its people and protect its resources. By supporting and recognising these efforts, SCSICA ensures that Sarawak’s public sector remains at the forefront of progress, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
References
- “Sarawak civil service out to make nation proud at Sri Lanka innovation event”
- “Sarawak civil servants urged to integrate integrity and innovation”
- “Official SCS Website — Project Bank”
