Regional Workshop on Integrity in Public Procurement
Date: 27–28 August 2025
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Kuching
Organizer: Unit Integriti and Ombudsman Sarawak (UNIONS) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
The Regional Workshop on Integrity in Public Procurement was held to strengthen knowledge and regional collaboration on procurement integrity. The workshop brought together government officials, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and international experts to share experiences, challenges, and strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability in public procurement.
The programme was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Murshid DiRaja Dr. Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman).
The key objectives of the workshop were to:
1. Raise awareness and understanding among participants on the role of integrity in public procurement processes;
2. Share best practices in preventing and managing corruption risks in both the public and private sectors;
3. Strengthen strategic cooperation between the public and private sectors in enhancing governance of public procurement; and
4. Provide a dialogue platform to discuss challenges and solutions in implementing procurement integrity.
NREB Officers Involved:
1. SECO Gs. Joseph Uyo
2. SECO Nurharith Afnizan Zainorin
3. SECO Valecca Sibuar
Key lessons/takeaways include:
1. The importance of transparency and public access to procurement information
2. Greater civil society engagement as both watchdog and partner in procurement processes
3. Capacity building for procurement officers to improve skills and institutional readiness.
4. Adoption of technological tools such as e-procurement platforms, AI-driven analytics, and open contracting for greater accountability.
5. Opportunities for regional cooperation to share best practices, and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
Through interactive discussions and networking opportunities, attendees were encouraged to contribute their perspectives and expertise, fostering mutual understanding and inspiring collective action towards more accountable and transparent systems in public procurement.
