By Shikin Louis
BETONG, Oct 8: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was recently bestowed the prestigious World Innovation, Technology, and Services Alliance’s (WITSA) ‘Eminent Person Award’.
This makes him the third Malaysian to receive such honour after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Broadcom Inc president and chief executive officer Dato Tan Hock Eng.
WITSA introduced the award in 2010 to recognise individuals who have made a significant and profound positive difference in the lives of others.
The award’s recipients have included Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa and prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
This year, WITSA chairman Dr Sean Seah presented the award to Abang Johari during the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology and 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (WCIT-IDECS) gala dinner held at Pullman Hotel, Kuching last Thursday night (Oct 5).
Speaking during a function in Betong today, Abang Johari said he was surprised to be given the same award that Mandela had received.
“In Malaysia, Dr Mahathir was given the award for his contribution to the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC).
“The Bangladesh prime minister had also been given the same award.
“Then, recently, I also received the same honour. This recognition is also a recognition to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) for allowing me to lead PBB in shifting to new technology,” he said. — DayakDaily
