Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Month (SCSIMon) 2024 came to a close with the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA), following a month of various activities designed to cultivate and strengthen the values of innovation among state and federal government entities that make up the Sarawak civil service (SCS).
This year’s theme, ‘Excellence in Service Delivery Based on Integrity and Innovation’, emphasises the significance of civil servants upholding superior quality values through strong governance and ethics, at the same time encouraging them to innovate continuously to lead a transformative and exemplary public service revolution.
“There is a saying of sorts that knowledge without integrity is problematic, and integrity without knowledge is equally precarious.
“You may be highly knowledgeable, but it will be difficult for people to trust you if you do not apply them ethically. Likewise, even if you have integrity, it will not be easy for you to implement changes without the required knowledge.
“Having knowledge and integrity, therefore, is profound and paramount – and I see that the SCS at the state and federal level have both of these at their highest forms,” said the Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg in his address on the final day of SCSICA on 25 October 2024, which also served as the closing ceremony of SCSIMon 2024.
He further described that these qualities are essential for the civil service to possess in order to confront global issues more effectively and efficiently.
As Sarawak is marching towards becoming an advanced, inclusive and sustainable economy through Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, the demand for SCS to deliver top quality services is greater than ever before, not only in fulfilling the State’s aspirations but also in elevating the socio-economic well-being of its people.
As such, the aforementioned theme highlights the importance Sarawak places on the quality of its service delivery in achieving its development objectives.
It is a sentiment echoed by Sarawak Government Secretary YB Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki in his opening remarks, reiterating the relevance of integrity and innovation in carrying out responsibilities as members of SCS as “essential and interconnected” aspects despite their distinctiveness at a glance.
“While innovation is often about breaking down status quo, integrity is usually seen as staying steadfast and unwavering to our principles.
“And whereas innovation involves challenging accepted norms and producing change, integrity is more about compliance and consistency.
“In essence, integrity and innovation are not competing forces but complementary ones. It’s only when these two pillars are firmly intertwined that the grand arch of service delivery excellence can stand tall, inspiring confidence and delivering exceptional value to the people – ultimately achieving our Sarawak aspirations,” he elaborated.
How Innovation and Integrity Can be Linked to Each Other?
Integrity Guides Innovation: Innovation without ethical guidance can lead to unintended consequences and erode public trust. However, when guided by principles of integrity, innovation flourishes responsibly, leading to solutions that are not only effective but also equitable and just.
Innovation Strengthens Integrity: Innovation can be a powerful tool for strengthening integrity. New technologies and approaches can enhance transparency and accountability, making it easier for public to track service delivery, access information, and hold service providers accountable.
Source: Talking Points for the Sarawak Government Secretary in conjunction with SCSICA 2024, provided by Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit, the Department of the Premier of Sarawak
References:
Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak. (2024, October 25). Siaran langsung 25 Oktober 2024: Majlis Penyampaian Anugerah Konvensyen Inovasi Perkhidmatan Awam Sarawak 2024 (SCSICA). [Video]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/unitkomunikasidanpenerangansarawak/videos/siaran-langsung-25-oktober-2024-majlis-penyampaian-anugerah-konvensyen-inovasi-p/1259716221729301/?mibextid=WC7FNe&rdid=mBxt6nSWxfMk0huc
