BRUNEI DARUSSALAM—Mr. Jaymark Warren T. Dia, Unit Head for Management Information Systems at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), was one of the recipients of the prestigious Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Service Award 2024/2025.
Jaymark Warren T. Dia, Head of SEARCA's Management Information Systems Unit, proudly holds his SEAMEO Service Award at the SEAMEO Council Conference Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony.In the awarding ceremony held on 1 July 2025 during the 53rd SEAMEO Council Conference at the Empire Hotel, Brunei Darussalam, Dia was recognized for his outstanding service, innovation, and unwavering commitment to SEARCA.
With over 20 years of dedicated service to the Center, Dia, known to colleagues simply as "Jay," has been at the forefront of SEARCA's digital transformation. A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB), he used his degree in computer science and graduate education in business management to power many of SEARCA's key IT reforms, combining tech skills with a strong sense of leadership and strategy.
His remarkable contributions began with the modernization of SEARCA's network through the Structured Cabling Project in 2012, which he later expanded to support the Center's growing digital demands. In 2017, he spearheaded the adoption of Managed Print Services (MPS) at SEARCA, saving roughly PHP 2.5 million in printing costs within two years. He also revived in-house systems development, reducing reliance on external vendors and strengthening SEARCA's operational self-sufficiency.
Under his leadership of SEARCA's IT team, the Center transitioned from a legacy phone system to Internet Protocol (IP) telephony and private branch exchange (PBX) system. He pushed for the Center's utilization of cloud technologies, significantly lowering operational costs by 70% and enhancing remote work capabilities, a shift that helped the Center continue business-as-usual during the pandemic lockdown.
"Work quietly, let the results speak." Dia's ethos was especially reflected through his dedication during the pandemic, leading the shift to online delivery of SEARCA trainings, tackling the entire IT services demand of the Center, and ensuring seamless virtual operations.
On top of his technical innovations, Dia, who was the youngest member of SEARCA's Management Committee when he was appointed as unit head in 2019, gained the respect of his peers and colleagues from his quiet leadership, sense of integrity, and service-first mindset. As a manager, he fosters a culture of collaboration and growth, encouraging his team to pursue certifications and continuously improve. Using the Management Information Systems Unit (MISU) as the pilot subject, he initiated the regular conduct of satisfaction surveys for SEARCA administration units, aligning service and operational improvements with stakeholder feedback.
Beyond his official duties, Dia's presence is felt across the Center with his active participation in high-level ad hoc committees and mentorship of colleagues, often being the go-to person in challenging times. A seasoned staff and modern-day leader, he brings deep institutional knowledge and a forward-looking perspective grounded in innovation and collaboration. His personal principles are rooted in humility, teamwork, and consistency. He sees challenges as learning opportunities and remains committed to empowering others and creating sustainable digital solutions for SEARCA.
As the Center moves toward a future shaped by technology and collaboration, Dia stands as a pillar of innovation, service, and quiet excellence—an embodiment of what the SEAMEO Service Award seeks to honor.