AZAM Swk celebrates progress, partnership at pre-Christmas do
- BT
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 20 December 2025 - AZAM Sarawak brought together its extended family of partners, members and staff for the AZAM Sarawak Pre-Christmas Gathering and Appreciation Night 2025 at Imperial Hotel here last night. The event, themed "A Night of Lights and Excellence," was graced by Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and celebrated the people who make AZAM's community work possible.
Speaking at the event, Snowdan commended AZAM Sarawak's consistent role in supporting the State's priorities, particularly in areas that matter to MTCP. He described AZAM as an important bridge between government policies and the people, helping to promote unity, creativity and inclusive participation among Sarawak's diverse communities.
"Celebrations such as this go beyond recognition. They strengthen relationships, foster togetherness and contribute to Sarawak's tourism and creative ecosystem. AZAM Sarawak has demonstrated how collaboration and community engagement can support inclusive and sustainable development," he said.
The Minister gave special praise to AZAM Young Souls and highlighted how these young Sarawakians are confident communicators, digitally skilled, socially aware and ready to contribute.
"AYS provides exactly the talent ecosystem Sarawak needs as we accelerate towards PCDS 2030," he noted.
In support for AZAM's work, Snowdan announced a RM30,000 contribution to AZAM Sarawak to support their activities.
Meanwhile, AZAM Sarawak’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Bin Suhaili, in his welcoming remarks, said AZAM's achievements are built on collaboration, between communities, partners, members and their dedicated team, all working together to move Sarawak forward.
On the night’s theme, he explained: "Lights symbolise ideas, passion, and the countless contributions made by our partners, volunteers, youth, and staff. Excellence reflects our unwavering commitment to doing our best… not for recognition, but for impact; not for ourselves, but for the people we serve."
Ali shared some of AZAM's proud moments from 2025. The AZAM Toastmasters Club and AZAM Young Souls received international recognition at the Toastmasters International Conference in Bandung. Partnerships grew stronger through initiatives like the SMEC project with UKAS, a regional Hackathon with Singapore partners, and the AIFFA project with World Comm, powered by 60 dedicated AYS volunteers.
"These achievements remind us of one powerful truth: when young people are trusted, empowered, and supported, they do not just contribute, they lead," he said.
Ali also announced that AZAM is ready for 2026 with plans to strengthen community development, deepen participatory communication, lead in development communication, and empower youth through AI-driven engagement and digital literacy.
The highlight of the evening was definitely the award presentations that recognised those who have given years, even decades of service to AZAM Sarawak.
Loyalty Awards went to members and staff who have served the organisation for more than 30 years:
AZAM Member Category:
Sharkawi Yassin
Norjanah Binti Haji Razali
AZAM Staff Category:
Dayang Intanawati Binti Abang Salleh
Norita Binti Pateni
Sapuan Bin Ben
These five individuals represent decades of dedication and commitment to AZAM's mission. Their long service shows the kind of loyalty and belief in the organisation's work that keeps it going strong.
Excellence Awards 2025 recognised staff members who demonstrated outstanding performance and professionalism throughout the year:
Shariffah Nadeerah Binti Wan Teridi
Shamiella Baziella Binti Mohamad
Taufiq Azahari Bin Mohamad Omar
The Distinguished Active Member Award went to Dr. Dorothy Chong Wai Mei, which honours her consistent support and active contribution to AZAM Sarawak's programmes.
Between the speeches and awards, guests enjoyed dinner with live entertainment from a band and pentarama performances. Earlier in the evening, the event was kicked off with some Christmas carolling by St Mark Batu Kawa in collaboration with AZAM Young Souls (AYS). There was also a best dress competition for male and female categories.
But a special treat was when Snowdan himself took to the stage to sing three songs, including the Christmas classic Feliz Navidad and the quintessential Bekikis Bulu Betis, to which the guests joined along in a poco poco dance.
With over four decades of service to Sarawak, AZAM continues to be a platform that connects government, communities, youth and strategic partners. Last night's gathering strengthens the relationships and partnerships that will carry AZAM's work forward.
As Ali put it in his welcome speech, "AZAM's Movement for Progress is a shared commitment: to uplift communities, to create pathways of opportunity, and to ensure that progress belongs to everyone."
With the support of more than 300 partners, stakeholders, members and staff who showed up last night, AZAM Sarawak is clearly ready to keep that promise going strong into 2026.
