Sarawak First in Asia to Host Participatory Design Conference 2024

Sibu, Sarawak is the first destination in Malaysia — and Asia — to host the Participatory Design Conference (PDC) in 2024, being organised by the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS). 

PDC 2024 is the leading international conference to discuss solutions for the design of products, services, and socio-technical systems — the structures, roles and rights within the systems that involve people and technology functioning together. The theme for PDC 2024 is “Reaching Out: Connecting Beyond Participation” and looks back at three decades of research and change initiatives where information and communication technologies have been a challenging arena to maintain certain values—at the same time, a vital set of tools to support initiatives for change.

PDC 2024 aims to grow new alliances with research communities, stakeholders and practitioners within Malaysia and overseas. In an effort to reshape participation at the conference, new communication and presentation models will be explored to create connections with related academic communities, activists, practitioners and interested people and communities.

“We need to create opportunities for people to meet and work together on a shared vision and this is where PDC 2024 will step in,” said The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahmah Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts during the press conference. “As we continue focusing on the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy, participatory design has a big impact on how we can design processes through collaboration. PDC 2024 will enlighten us with the latest insights and strategies on how to meet the people’s needs and achieve our aspiration of a prosperous, sustainable and high-income destination.”

“We are honoured to be awarded the hosting rights for Malaysia and Asia’s first Participatory Design Conference,” said Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid, Vice Chancellor of University of Technology Sarawak. “UTS is proud to have the right expertise for this topic and to put Sarawak on the map as a destination that promotes knowledge, innovation and partnerships.”

“Sibu is compatible for PDC 2024 as the city demonstrates how a strong sense of community can enable different demographics to easily collaborate and participate in activities,” said Amelia Roziman, BESarawak’s CEO. “We are expecting a strong turnout of 500 delegates from Malaysia and worldwide to convene in Sarawak’s fast emerging business events city.”