His Majesty delivered the titah yesterday during the launch of the National Summit on Information Society (NASIS) at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Abdul Azim and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
The monarch said establishing an information society is one of the important agendas in assisting the economic development as well as improving the standard of living.
"The migration towards information society becomes relevant because of the new opportunities in the many community affairs and activities," said His Majesty.
"The use of ICT can complete and simplify these activities," the ruler added.
The digital revolution and the ICT capabilities can reduce the traditional
barriers of distance and time, said the monarch and added that besides this, the development of ICT can improve creativity and innovation. It also means that we must share together the information based on these modern technologies to achieve new aims, which are more developed especially in the fields of economics, society and politics.
His Majesty also said the effects of an inconsistent development of ICT can result in a digital divide among the community.
His Majesty reiterated that preparing the infrastructure alone is not enough to ensure the effectiveness of ICT in the community. "We must work harder to shape the programmes that can lead to the development of human resources, especially in the development capacity of ICT."
Only by having the needed skills can we take advantages, especially in economy. Besides, we must not forget to continue exploring research fields and ICT as well as cooperation in training both at the regional and international levels, said the ruler.
"Introducing ICT in the school curriculum and higher institutions can ensure the level of ICT literacy.
The number of graduates from educational institutions should be consistent with demands and needs of the industry and businesses to further ensure that the nation has the human resources that are skilled and professional," noted His Majesty.
Another phenomenon witnessed currently is the digital convergence of technologies in communications, broadcasting and information technology, said the ruler and added, with these convergences, it has become a challenge to the administration and management as it has resulted in new products and services.
Hence, emphasis should not only be on hardware, technology, telecommunication and information but also on the contents or software channeled by ICT.
"This is a challenge especially for the government agencies to adapt to these new development and advancement," said His Majesty.
The government has already prepared the infrastructure as well as modern technological facilities. But to establish information society the country still needs the commitment and cooperation of everyone, said the monarch.
"The summit therefore should be a platform to -shape or develop e-strategy and a national action plan that is both comprehensive and visionary.
"Such collective effort and approach can prepare a direction that is more focused, accurate and easily understood.
"The national e-strategy will further strengthen the present national IT plan that will together uphold the vision towards taking advantage of the integration of IT and telecommunication for the prosperity of the nation.
"In this regard, the government has implemented the e-government program and has been encouraging the implementation of e-commerce that can further create an e-society.
"If this runs smoothly, we will be able to achieve e-Brunei," said His Majesty.
Besides the NASIS summit, an e-Applications Expo is also being held until September 10 showcasing e-Applications services that are used in the government and private sector.
Autor: M K Anwar
Quelle: Brunei Direct, 08.09.2005
