Kuala lumpur: The appointment of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) Advisory Panel chairmen for Kedah and Perlis will strengthen the centre's role as a community empowerment hub and an effective channel for delivering government information and initiatives.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Political Secretary to the Communications Minister, Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof, stated that the panel's establishment reflects the ongoing commitment of the government and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to strengthening governance and implementing NADI initiatives nationwide.
He highlighted that NADI's role has evolved beyond providing internet access, becoming a platform that aids the community in enhancing digital skills, exploring new economic opportunities, accessing government services, and adapting to technological advancements.
"In line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, NADI continues to be empowered to ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach all segments of society, regardless of location and background," he said at the presentation of the letters of appointment to the NADI Advisory Panel chairmen for Kedah and Perlis.
He noted that there are 81 NADI centres in Kedah and 17 in Perlis. These centres function as grassroots community platforms through the NADI Smart Services Programme, covering areas like entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, self-wellbeing, awareness, and the delivery of government initiatives.
Abdullah Izhar mentioned that the NADI approach gained international recognition after winning the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes in the Capacity Building category in Geneva last year.
"This year, NADI achieved another proud milestone by being recognised as the 16th Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) in the world by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)," he added.
Today's event involved appointing NADI Advisory Panel chairmen for 15 parliamentary constituencies in Kedah and three in Perlis, who will serve as links between the community and NADI management.
He added that the panel is responsible for coordinating programmes, conveying local community feedback, and expanding the dissemination of accurate information about government policies and initiatives.
Abdullah Izhar highlighted NADI's impact through the success stories of community entrepreneurs, such as Nurul Atika Razib from Kedah, who expanded her traditional health products market using digital platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop.
"In Perlis, Hamizah Hassan, founder of Embun Warisan Kayu, has successfully marketed local heritage-inspired woodwork products more widely, thanks to digital exposure and the use of e-commerce platforms," he said.
Besides entrepreneurship, NADI also contributes to community educational development through programmes like Tuisyen Rakyat (People's Tuition) and AINADI, providing opportunities for students and the local community to enhance their digital skills and gain exposure to artificial intelligence.