New vision, mission to propel AZAM forward

ANGKATAN Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak, a non-governmental organisation that promotes development communication in the state, is looking forward to a brighter future.

It has a new vision and new mission to propel it forward and help it reinforce its commitments to support the state’s development agenda towards 2030 and beyond.

Its new vision statement is “Empowered communities for sustainable development in Sarawak” while its new mission statement is “Advancing communities towards socio-economic growth through development communication and digital inclusivity”.

The new vision and mission were unveiled during the NGO’s 40th anniversary dinner at Imperial Hotel in Kuching recently.

In his speech at the dinner, AZAM Sarawak’s chairman Datu William Patrick Nyigor said, “As we celebrate these 40 years of relentless outreach and engagement, we also now look to the future with optimism and fervour. 

“Together, we can and will continue to shape a Sarawak that becomes a role model for empowerment, sustainability and prosperity.

“ I would also like to emphasise our commitment in aligning with the goals of the state government of the day.”

AZAM, which means a “Movement for Progress” was established in 1983. Its formation was mooted by current Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, when he was Sarawak’s Chief Minister.

And for the past 40 years, the organisation has been steadfast in its mission to facilitate development efforts in the state through the transformative power of development communication.

At its 40th anniversary dinner, AZAM Sarawak did not forget its past leaders.

Touching on their invaluable contributions, William said, “Our founding chairman, Tan Sri Dato Sri Safri Awang Zaidell led AZAM in pioneering the advocacy and implementation of development communication in Sarawak in the 1980s through the late 1990s as AZAM sought to help empower, especially the rural and marginal communities to join mainstream development.

“Seminars, workshops, dialogues, lectures, radio programmes, publications and journalism training were the mainstay of AZAM’s activities.”

William said AZAM’s second chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Aziz Husain had the foresight to initiate rural ICT awareness programmes in Sarawak in the late 1990s to help bridge ICT awareness divide between urban and rural communities.

“This was during the initial mass introduction of the personal computers in the early days of the Internet.”

William added that AZAM’s immediate past chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani consolidated the organisation’s strategies and programmes and intensified grassroots leaders’ capacity building and youth engagement.

“He provided guidance for AZAM’s foray into helping the government to promote digital economy and digital inclusivity to help bridge digital divides between Sarawak’s urban and rural communities.”

Although Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg could not attend AZAM’s 40th anniversary dinner, his speech was delivered by his Deputy, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who represented him at the event.

On behalf of the Sarawak government, the premier thanked all its strategic communication partners such as AZAM and the media for their efforts in helping to communicate change to the people over the years. 

He wished AZAM a happy 40th anniversary and said, “We look forward to more anniversaries in the future and to your continued support and collaboration.”

Abang Johari noted that since the 1980s, AZAM had helped the Sarawak government to facilitate numerous development awareness and buy-in programmes for the people, especially the rural communities.

He said the Sarawak government would continue to engage AZAM as well as its sister organisation, the Sarawak Development Institute (SDI), as strategic non-profit partners to help advance the state’s current development agenda, namely, the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) and the New Economy.

 “To engage our development target groups effectively, the state requires more communication players to help moblise communities by keeping them well informed of current development agendas and opportunities.”

Abang Johari said securing buy-in of government policies and plans was the key for empowered people’s participation in current development focus areas.

He pointed out that the current development focus areas included digitalising Sarawak; shaping a sustainable and green economy and advancing all sectors and communities towards greater prosperity and quality of life.

 The premier said that communicating change and development in the state remained a challenging endeavour because of certain factors including Sarawak’s geography and cultural diversity.

As the state government’s NGO partner, AZAM, Abang Johari said, could continue to be engaged for its niche communication programmes such as grassroots communities’ seminars and fora, youth engagement, radio programmes and publications.

At its 40th anniversary dinner, AZAM Sarawak did not forget its past leaders and pioneer members who had contributed to its growth and past successes.

Founding chairman Tan Sri Dato Sri Safri Awang Zaidell, who was present, was honoured for his remarkable 15-year leadership while 28 pioneer members received an appreciation award each for their contributions over the past four decades Pioneer members who were present to receive the awards were Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur Shariff, Datu Dr Hatta Solhee, Datu Aloysius J Dris, Dr Peter Mulok Kedit, Adeline Liong Fong Kiaw, Julaihi Ismail, Lelia Sim Ah Hua and Hwang Yu Chai.

AZAM’s honorary secretary and AZAM Youth Development Committee chairman, Mohd Ariff Irwani Azahari, received an award for his Toastmastering leadership while AZAM Young Souls (AYS) members Abang Sayyidi Qairulzaman Abang Sapali and Muhammad Fuad Suip received an award each for their exemplary volunteerism.

A Toastmasters Club member Abdul Al-Azim Ismail also received an award for being an outstanding Toastmaster. 

At the dinner, a special book commemorating AZAM Sarawak’s 40 years of communicating change was also distributed to special guests.

A committee headed by AZAM Board member, Charles Siaw had painstakingly worked on the book for months.

Like any big celebration, there was also the cutting of the 40th anniversary cake by the guest of honour, the founding chairman and other dignitaries.

 There were good food and good live music as well. That night, all the decorations at the Imperial Hotel dining hall were ruby red — in line with AZAM Sarawak’s 40th anniversary or ruby celebration.

Commenting on the AZAM’s new mission and vision statements, AZAM’s honorary secretary, Mohamad Ariff Irwani Azahari said they were crucial for the organisation’s strategic orientation, especially to promote the state’s agenda.

“They also assist the staff members in understanding the organisation’s mission and the fundamental principles that guide it.

“The vision and mission statements are crucial components of AZAM’s strategy since they aid in prioritisation, resource allocation and ensuring that all committees and employees are working towards the same goals and objectives, creating a roadmap for the future.

“These statements offer a strategic framework that facilitates decision-making, motivates staff and conveys AZAM’s identity to outside stakeholders,” he added.

AZAM Board member, Patrick Y.B. Law also welcomed the new vision and mission statements.

“After 40 years of communicating changes, it is definitely time for a new vision as we move forward with a new approach in our engagement with the people. Change is inevitable and without change, there is no progress,” he said. 

Another AZAM Board member, Khairool Adzelan said the new vision statement outlined AZAM’s commitment to fostering self-sufficient and resilient communities. 

“By placing emphasis on empowerment, a bottom-up approach, the communities can actively participate in and influence their own development. 

“The mention of sustainable development reflects an awareness of environmental, social and economic considerations, ensuring that progress is not only immediate but also enduring.”

Meanwhile, the mission statement, he said, provided more details on how AZAM planned to achieve its vision. 

“It suggests a proactive and dynamic role in pushing for progress. The focus on socio-economic growth also emphasises a comprehensive approach that considers both social well-being and economic prosperity, starting from the local communities. 

“Together, these statements outline a strategic direction that is community-centric, sustainable, and forward-thinking, leveraging the potential of digital tools to enhance the overall impact of the AZAM’s initiatives in Sarawak,” he added.

Determined to achieve recognition on a national and international scale, AZAM — its dedicated Board, secretariat

management and staff, members and volunteers — is now setting its sights higher. Propelled by its new vision and mission, 

it is forging ahead to a brighter future with optimism and fervour.