GENEVA, Switzerland. July 7, 2025 – Malaysia’s Digital Inclusion NADI Project has been honored with the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2025 Prize, earning global recognition for its efforts to empower remote communities through enhanced digital literacy and connectivity. The award was officially received by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during a formal ceremony held here, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with various United Nations agencies.
The NADI (Network for Digital Inclusion) initiative, specifically the Pulau Banggi project, clinched the C4: Capacity Building category for its success in delivering digital literacy, skills training, and economic opportunities to one of Malaysia’s most isolated island communities. The project also emerged as the category champion, further underscoring its transformative impact.
“I am deeply honored to accept this WSIS Prize on behalf of Malaysia. The NADI Digital Inclusion Project at Pulau Banggi exemplifies our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in the digital era. This success belongs to the community that has embraced digital skills for a brighter future, as well as to all Malaysians who support our vision of an inclusive and connected nation,” said Fahmi during the award presentation.
Located approximately 70 kilometers from Kudat and accessible only by ferry or speedboat, Pulau Banggi is home to around 20,000 residents whose economy relies heavily on fishing, coconut, and rubber production. Its remote location has historically limited access to education, healthcare, and economic growth. Under the National Digital Plan (JENDELA) and Malaysia’s National Digital Infrastructure Plan, the NADI initiative has established a community digital hub, providing high-speed internet and ICT training to fishermen, farmers, students, and small business owners, equipping them with skills to thrive in the digital economy.
The project has transformed lives, with youth gaining ICT expertise, women launching micro-businesses online, and local entrepreneurs expanding their markets. Building on its success at Pulau Banggi, NADI is now expanding to other underserved areas, including Pulau Mandi Darah, with plans to scale nationwide by 2030 through modular training, community hubs, and long-term development in Sabah and Sarawak.
In a related achievement, the Stingray II Pulau Ketam project was also recognized as a category champion in the C2: Information and Communication Infrastructure category. This initiative deployed a 64-kilometer undersea fiber optic cable between Kapar and Pulau Ketam, enabling high-speed connectivity. The project has empowered students with online learning, families with telemedicine services, and small businesses with digital growth opportunities.
This global recognition reinforces Malaysia’s commitment to digital equity, ensuring no citizen is left behind, even in the most remote locations. NADI stands as more than a project—it is a pledge to provide equitable digital opportunities to all Malaysians. This accolade solidifies NADI’s position as one of the world’s most innovative and effective digital inclusion programs.