KUCHING: A 'wave' of creativity among Sarawakians sparked by the UKAS TikTok Challenge 2.0: Inspirasi Anak Sarawak competition has not only showcased the state's uniqueness but also become a two-way communication medium strengthening public understanding of the Sarawak Government's development, policies and aspirations.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the competition, open to schools and the public throughout Sarawak, further highlights two-way communication aimed at deepening public understanding of new policies, the economy, development and key initiatives launched by the Sarawak Government.

"While we are seeing various physical development from Lundu to Lawas, such as new airports, AirBorneo, the acquisition of Affin Bank, and various road projects involving 21 major bridges and more than 100 rural bridges, among others.

"At the same time, our role is to bridge the information gap between the government and the people, and we do not want that communication to be one-way only, because we also want to know the tastes, preferences and sentiments of the community so that every government plan and policy truly meets their needs," he said.

He said this at the UKAS TikTok Challenge 2.0 2026 Video Competition Prize Presentation Ceremony at the Sarawak State Library here on Friday.

Datuk Abdullah also said organising such competitions highlights the positive side of social media platforms, including TikTok, in disseminating accurate and reliable information.

"Sometimes, that is where we see the negative side of social media, such as cyberbullying, scams and various other negative phenomena. However, at the same time, we also see the brighter and more positive side of social media, which highlights humanitarian values, promotes culture, fosters camaraderie, and so on," he said.

As a show of support for future editions of the competition, Datuk Abdullah also announced an allocation of RM10,000 to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) to organise a similar competition for the upcoming Malaysia Day.

Also present were UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, Sarawak Education Director Omar Mahli, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad Corporate Communications Manager Abdullah Razak Osman, Sarawak Energy Senior Vice President of Corporate Services Marconi Madai, Affin Bank Sarawak Strategic Relations Manager Nur Aalyya Irena Dusit, and Koperasi Pro Belia Inovatif Sarawak Berhad Treasurer Mohd Rushairy Abu Bakar. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photos: Jaed Tepus
Translator: Uilson Ng