IT head honored for SEAMEO service award

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM – Jaymark Warren Dia, unit head for Management Information Systems at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), has been honored with the prestigious Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Service Award 2024–2025.

The award ceremony, held on July 1, 2025, during the 53rd SEAMEO Council Conference at the Empire Hotel, recognized Dia for his outstanding service, innovation, and unwavering commitment to SEARCA over the past two decades.

Jaymark “Jay” Dia, a University of the Philippines Los Baños graduate in computer science with a graduate degree in business management, has been at the forefront of SEARCA’s digital transformation.

His contributions began in 2012 with the modernization of SEARCA’s network through the Structured Cabling Project.

He later spearheaded the adoption of Managed Print Services in 2017, which saved the center approximately PHP2.5 million in printing costs within two years.

Under his leadership, the IT team transitioned to a more efficient Internet Protocol telephony system and embraced cloud technologies, resulting in a 70% reduction in operational costs.

This strategic shift proved critical during the pandemic lockdown, enabling the center to continue operations seamlessly and deliver online trainings.

Dia’s leadership is marked by humility, integrity, and a service-first mindset.

Appointed as the youngest member of SEARCA’s Management Committee in 2019, he has earned the respect of colleagues by fostering a culture of collaboration and growth within his team.

He also initiated regular satisfaction surveys to align IT services with stakeholder needs.

Dia’s influence extends beyond his official duties.

He actively participates in high-level committees and mentors colleagues, offering a forward-looking perspective grounded in innovation and cooperation.

He views challenges as learning opportunities and is committed to empowering others through sustainable digital solutions.

The SEAMEO Service Award celebrates Dia as a pillar of innovation, service, and quiet excellence, recognizing his critical role in shaping SEARCA’s technological future.