Unleashing Possibilities at d Conference and d Awards 2024

The Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) is pleased to announce the d Conference and d Awards 2024, which will be held on June 21, 2024 (Friday) at Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Nexus, Bangsar South.

The keenly awaited event is here once again to illuminate the path to digital transformation, gathering movers and shakers of the digital publishing and advertising industry in an annual conversation on everything digital.

The theme of d Conference and d Awards 2024 is “Unleash Possibilities” in a nod to the industry’s eagerness to create and optimise opportunities in the pursuit of digital excellence.

“It is more than a theme; this is the state of our lives and the industry that we work in,” said Pranav Jha, Organising Chairperson of MDA d Awards & d Conference 2024 and Head of Performance Media, GroupM Malaysia. “Our goal this year is to brainstorm, debate and discuss the possibilities of bringing the best out of technology and people in our trade.”

The one-day event will feature a strong line-up of thought leaders and professionals. A keynote presentation on “Navigating Disruption and Staying Relevant in Shifting Digital Landscape” will set the tone of the discussion, before a selection of panellists takes the audience through topics of specific relevance and immediate applicability.

A highlight not to be missed is the ASEAN panel moderated by MDA President Eileen Ooi, who will pick the brains of prominent representatives from industry bodies and a tech company in the region. The ASEAN neighbours will share best practices and lessons learned for all to tap into digital opportunities in this fastest-growing market in the world.

Close to 40 experts will sit in the eight panels throughout the d Conference to shed light on building brand and consumer trust, data handling, sustainability, leadership, artificial intelligence (AI), and metrics and measurement.

For a dynamic exchange of views, three debate sessions at the d Conference will see a lively and frank discussion among digital practitioners on leading behaviour change, AI’s impact on human potential, and brand-led content versus creator content. Some sparks may fly, but great ideas are born when great minds challenge each other.

Also adding to the vigorous discourse at d Conference are speakers from Meta, Adzymic, Astro, AnyMind Group and Tiktok, who will address issues such as AI-enabled consumer engagement, AdTech in the post-cookie era, small screen strategy, consumer journey and modern marketing.

Riding on the AI trend, d Conference will feature Malaysia’s very first AI announcer – DJ Aina Sabrina from Fly FM. The radio host, created by Media Prima Audio (MPA) last year in a groundbreaking move, will be on stage to launch the event.

In line with the event theme, d Awards is all about celebrating the diverse possibilities created by brands, agencies, publishers and tech companies using digital technologies. MDA is looking for innovation in designing and execution of marketing digital campaigns, which leads to a difference in the way the consumers perceive and consume brands.

The organising committee is buoyed by the overwhelming number of entries it received this year. A total of 384 entries – a 50% increase from 2023 – will vie for 26 titles, and winners will be announced on the night of June 21.

“We have tried to bring a sense of newness to our event this year with the introduction of new award categories such as Best Use of DOOH (digital out-of-home) and Best Use of OTT (over-the-top)/Connected TV in any Malaysian media or digital awards,” said Mr Pranav, the organising committee chairman.

He also drew special attention to d Young Achievers, another first by MDA to bring university students close to the digital community. Open to university groups, the programme invites university student groups to showcase their thinking by developing a product or service idea using technology (AI, GPT, app, website, Web 3.0 application, coding, SQL, etc). The product or service idea should demonstrate a clear benefit for the target audience.

In addition to the opportunity to attend d Conference and d Awards 2024 and rub shoulders with digital professionals, the top five teams will be invited to attend a half-day workshop at Google’s office in Kuala Lumpur.

With content curated exclusively for digital publishers, marketers, digital players, tech providers, advertising agencies, etc., d Conference and d Awards 2024 is a once-a-year occasion for industry players to take a step back and examine the disruptions while exploring innovative ideas and experimenting with the latest resources.

The MDA President, Eileen Oi said, “MDA Digital Conference and Awards plays a key role in our mission in shaping the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy and talents by bringing forth new revelations of digital disruptions and new insights and celebrates Malaysia’s finest digital work and talents.”

“Our inaugural event has grown from strength to strength over the years, with an expected 400 number of attendees at the conference this year with notable speakers from all over Asia and supported by MDEC.”

“We will witness Malaysia’s best of the best in great digital marketing work and talents during the 5th d Awards night on 21st June with a total of 23 awards. It is truly an exciting time to be in the digital industry in Malaysia, so come join us at MDA d Conference & Awards 2024!”

Tickets are priced at RM1,600 each (exclude SST, HRD Corp claimable), which provides access to both d Conference and d Awards.

Entry fees to d Conference only are RM1,200 per pax (exclude SST, non-HRD Corp claimable). There will be no access to d Awards for ticket holders of this category.

A limited bundle package of 10+1 tickets is available upon enquiry. The free ticket does not include access to d Awards.

d Conference and d Awards 2024 is made possible by gold sponsors Omnia and Astro, silver sponsor Anymind, and bronze sponsors Adzymic and Teads, with TikTok, Taboola and Google as supporting partners.

For tickets, visit https://www.d-awards.com.my and https://d-conference.com.my.

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This is the only event where Live Presentations meets Live Judging.

Similar to TED Talks, The APPIES is the chance for great presenters with outstanding work to show it off to some of the industry’s most important industry leaders.

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