KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — The Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) has officially
opened entries for the MDA d Awards 2026, unveiling an evolved awards framework that
reflects how Malaysia’s digital ecosystem is rapidly converging across technology, content,
commerce and culture.

Anchored on the 2026 theme “Superhumanity”, the d Awards recognises work that
demonstrates how digital innovation amplifies human creativity, responsibility and impact, not
just performance metrics

What’s New for 2026

This year’s awards introduce several enhancements designed to improve clarity, inclusivity and
judging transparency:

● A new Competition Calendar, giving entrants full visibility on key milestones from
submission to judging.

● Enhanced and consolidated categories aligned to industry convergence, with one
new category introduced to reflect emerging digital behaviours.

● Clearer, category-specific judging criteria, with transparent weightage across
strategy, creativity, execution and results.

● A new Category Eligibility Grid, helping brands, agencies, publishers and tech players
quickly identify where their work qualifies.

● Updated rules and eligibility, including stronger emphasis on ethical and regulatory
compliance.

Nicholas Sagau, President of MDA, said, the changes reflect how the industry itself is
evolving.

“The d Awards has always been a mirror of where digital is heading. For 2026,
we’re recognising work that goes beyond tools and tactics, work that uses
technology to create meaningful growth, responsible impact and genuinely human
outcomes,” the President said.

Categories Reflecting Where Digital Is Headed

The MDA d Awards 2026 spans Company, Campaign, Technology, Platform, Purpose and
People categories with notable emphasis on fast-growing areas such as AI-driven products,
gamified experiences, creator-led strategies and sustainability-focused digital work.

Key highlights include:

● New: Best Gamified Campaign, recognising brand engagement through gaming, e-
sports and interactive mechanics.

● Best AI & Digital Tech Products, spotlighting platforms and tools transforming marketing
and consumer experiences.

● Enhanced: Best Use of Digital for Sustainable Impact, aligned to measurable outcomes
tied to the UN SDGs.

● Strong focus on creator and influencer ecosystems, content-led strategies and
integrated growth campaigns.

Sue-Anne Lim, the Organising Chairperson of the MDA d Awards 2026, noted that the
awards now reflect how digital success is measured today.

“We’re seeing brands and agencies judged not just on creativity, but on
accountability, how data is used responsibly, how creators are empowered, how
technology drives inclusion, and how campaigns deliver real business and societal
outcomes,” she said.

Nik Justin Nik Mohd Ariffin, Co-Organising Chairperson of the MDA d Awards 2026,
added

“The d Awards has grown into more than a recognition platform. It’s where the
industry comes together to benchmark itself against the highest standards. As
digital becomes more interconnected across media, technology and culture, this
year’s awards reflect the importance of collaboration, responsibility and shared
progress across the ecosystem.”

What Editors Should Watch

For 2026, the d Awards is expected to surface standout work in:

● AI and automation driving smarter, more human-centric marketing solutions
● Gaming and immersive platforms as serious engagement channels
● Sustainability-led digital initiatives with measurable impact beyond media metrics
● Creators and communities shaping culture, commerce and trust at scale

Key Dates

● Final Deadline: 21 January 2026
● Last Chance Deadline: 11 February 2026
● MDA d Conference: 11 June 2026
● MDA d Awards Night: 12 June 2026 (Connexion CEC, Bangsar South)

Entries are open to brands, agencies, publishers, platforms and technology companies
operating in Malaysia. Full details are available via the MDA d Awards 2026 Entry Kit at
www.d-awards.com.my.

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About Malaysia Digital Association

Established in 2009, the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) focuses primarily on growing the
digital advertising pie and delivering a single standard currency of measurement of Malaysian
Internet traffic. It represents 60 companies, comprising digital publishers, platforms, advertising
agencies, creative agencies and digital service providers. Through MDA, members speak with
one voice and act with one purpose on digital publishing and advertising matters.
MDA also plays a role in unifying all sectors involved in the various aspects of digital media and
advertising, thereby securing the long-term interest of the industry in Malaysia. For more
information, visit https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianDigitalAssociation/.

About d Awards

d Awards, celebrates talents and brands that embrace digital technologies. MDA is looking for
innovation in the design and execution of marketing digital campaigns that lead to a difference
in the way consumers perceive and consume brands.

For details, visit https://www.d-awards.com.my

For further media enquiries, please contact:
zati@macomm.com.my
03-7613 1510