KUCHING – The dedication and hard work of civil servants within the Sarawak government’s administrative wing were celebrated in grand style recently.
The Appreciation Ceremony of the Excellent Service Award (APC) for 2024 and 2025 took place at The Waterfront Hotel, recognising the contributions of staff across several key units under the Deputy Secretary to the Sarawak Government (Administration).
The event brought together representatives from a wide array of departments, including the Office of the Deputy Secretary, the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the Administration Unit (UP), and the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU).
Also honoured were members of the Sarawak Customary Council (MAIS), the Sarawak Bumiputera Court (MBS), and the Other Religious Affairs Unit (UNIFOR). This diverse gathering highlighted the multifaceted nature of public service in the state.
Officiating the ceremony was YB Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Bin Marzuki, the Secretary to the Sarawak Government. He was accompanied by his wife, YBhg. Dato Hajah Baduyah Binti Haji Bujang.
The high-profile attendance underscored the importance the state leadership places on acknowledging the efforts of its workforce.
Also present were senior officials such as YBhg. Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Deputy Secretary to the Sarawak Government (Administration), and YBhg. Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Bin Haji Zaidel, Deputy Secretary for Economic Planning and Development.
YBrs. Tuan Haji Abdul Wahab bin Haji Rahim, Director of UKPS, along with various department heads, joined in celebrating the achievements of their teams.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, who set the tone for an evening of recognition and reflection.
This was followed by a keynote message from the Secretary to the Sarawak Government, who used the platform to offer guidance and encouragement to the civil service fraternity.
In his address, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar emphasised the need for adaptability in the modern workplace. He reminded the younger generation of civil servants that while methods and technologies may change, the core mandate of providing excellent service remains constant.
He urged organisations to be flexible and ready to embrace the working culture of new employees, fostering an environment where innovation and tradition can coexist.
He also stressed the collective responsibility of every individual within the Premier’s Department. “Your work reflects the performance of the entire department,” he noted, reminding staff that their daily actions contribute to the broader reputation and efficiency of the state machinery.
This perspective encourages a sense of ownership and pride among employees, motivating them to maintain high standards in their respective roles.
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to the presentation of awards. A total of 51 officers and members from the UKPS received the APC for the year 2024, while another 49 were honoured for their performance in 2025. These awards serve as tangible recognition of consistent diligence and commitment to duty.
In addition to the APC recipients, Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to individuals who achieved performance evaluation scores of 85 per cent and above for both years. These certificates were presented by the respective Heads of Departments, adding a personal touch to the recognition process.
Acknowledging high performers in this manner helps to cultivate a culture of excellence and healthy competition within the civil service.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the ceremony was enlivened by cultural and artistic performances from the participating agencies. These segments showcased the hidden talents of the employees, revealing a creative side that often goes unseen in the office environment.
The performances added a festive atmosphere to the event, allowing colleagues to bond and celebrate their shared successes in a relaxed setting.
The event served as more than just a distribution of prizes; it was a reaffirmation of the values that drive the Sarawak civil service. By recognising past achievements, the government aims to inspire future performance.
The awards act as incentives for staff to continue striving for the best possible service delivery for the people of Sarawak.
As the ceremony concluded, the sense of camaraderie and accomplishment was palpable. For the recipients, the recognition validates their hard work and long hours.
For the leadership, it provides an opportunity to connect with the grassroots of the administration and reinforce their vision for a dynamic and responsive government.
The success of this appreciation ceremony highlights the ongoing commitment of the Sarawak government to invest in its human capital. By valuing its employees, the state ensures that it has a motivated and capable workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
The achievements of these 100 UKPS officers and other high-performing staff stand as a testament to the professionalism inherent in the Sarawak civil service.
Looking ahead, the expectation is that this spirit of excellence will permeate all levels of administration. As the state continues to develop and modernise, the role of efficient and dedicated public servants becomes even more critical. Events like this ensure that their contributions are not only seen but celebrated.
