By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 17: Sarawak-based educator and digital storyteller Ahmad Faizal Osman, better known as Cikgu Emmet Menulis, was among 13 figures honoured with the Anugerah Apresiasi Khas Premier Sarawak (Sarawak Premier’s Special Appreciation Award) in conjunction with the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2026 and National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations.
The award was presented by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof during a dinner held at Pullman Hotel here last night (July 16).
Ahmad Faizal was honoured under the Influencer/Key Opinion Leader category alongside Awangku Baharudin Awang Hipni, administrator of the Sarawak Edition page.
Known through his platform Cikgu Emmet Menulis, Ahmad Faizal has built a following through his writings on Sarawak’s culture, communities, education and everyday stories.
Originally from Peninsular Malaysia, Ahmad Faizal has spent decades serving as an educator in Sarawak, including as a senior education administrator at SK Pulau Seduku, Sri Aman. He became known among Sarawakians for sharing stories and experiences about life, unity and communities in the State through his writing platforms.
The recognition reflected the evolving media landscape, where digital content creators and social media influencers are increasingly playing a role in sharing information and positive stories with the public.
Apart from the Influencer/Key Opinion Leader category, the Award ceremony also recognised recipients across four other categories.
In the Editor/Reporter/Stringer category, recipients were retired BERNAMA journalist Edward Subeng Stephen, Churchill Edward Drem from The Borneo Post, Chong Fui Chin from International Times and freelance writer Martin Yee Man Teng.
The Radio/News Presenter category recognised Zaidi Bujang from RTM and Uleyvia Ubang, better known as DJ Ivy from CATS FM.
For the Photographer category, the recipients were Chimon Upon from The Borneo Post, Ahmad Rushdan Abdul Manan from BERNAMA and Mohmad Nahari Naha from Jiwa Bakti.
The Videographer category recognised Ramli Safri from TVS and Syed Mahathir Wan Azami from RTM.
The Anugerah Apresiasi Khas Premier Sarawak was among the highlights of SMEC 2026, which was held in conjunction with HAWANA 2026 celebrations, bringing together media practitioners, independent journalists, online portals and social media influencers.
Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Brunei’s Consul-General to Sarawak, Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Ghani; Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan; and Sarawak Media Group chairperson Dato Norhyati Mohd Ismail. — DayakDaily
