Sultanate’s E-Brunei Vision
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam underlined the importance of ICT access for all as a way to develop and improve the quality of our lives and envisioned the Sultanate achieving the e-Brunei status.

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.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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