KUALA LUMPUR (June 4): Submissions are now open for the the 2015 MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific ICT Awards  (APICTA) schedeuled for Octobers this , according to the National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM).

In a statement today, PIKOM said that with over 20 award categories, the 16th annual APICTA was open to individuals, students, entrepreneurs, SMEs and organisations operating in Malaysia.

It said that winners at the national level would go on to represent Malaysia at the international stage where the country had established a firm track record of excellence.

Last year, Malaysia bagged two winner and six merit awards at the regional level in Jakarta.

This year, the international APICTA awards will be hosted by Sri Lanka.

Initiated by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), APICTA is the nation’s prestigious showcase of ICT excellence and innovation – aimed at recognising local creativity as well as ground-breaking achievements and contributions in the industry.

“The awards are an important platform for spurring greater competitive spirit among local companies to move on par with international counterparts,” PIKOM said.

APICTA is one of the industry’s most respected award platforms – having received the patronage of the Prime Minister since its inception in 1999.

Companies who participate in APICTA stand to gain international exposure, networking opportunities, exposure to investors, and a platform to benchmark products and services. They also have the opportunity to attend various Entrepreneurship Development Programmes at renowned institutions in the United States and the right to use the prestigious APICTA Awards logo.

PIKOM chairman said APICTA was seen as adding immeasurable value to the ICT industry and the nation.

“Companies should consider the tremendous business value it brings to local ICT firms and we strongly encourage them to participate,” he said.