Get documents about "VIETNAM
Document Sample
Applying the “Major ICT developments since the last APIN session in China
2004” of individual country reports to the 5 Strategies/Actions of APIN
Index
Bhutan Page 4
China Page 5
Fiji Page 6
India Page 10
Indonesia Page 13
Iran Page 14
Japan Page 15
Lao PDR Page 18
Malaysia Page 19
Maldives Page 21
Mongolia Page 22
Nepal Page 23
New Zealand Page 24
The Philippines Page 26
South Korea Page 27
Sri Lanka Page 29
Thailand Page 30
Vietnam Page 33
BHUTAN
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
- The Community Information Center (CIC) is set up in the rural communities
with Internet, telephone, fax and photocopying services
Support Workshops and training programmes
- ICTization of schools has been successfully implemented at 100 community
primary schools providing 2 computers and a printer with Internet facilities for a
year and teachers trained on basic computing skills
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information
-To promote e-Governance through the use of ICT at Dzongkhags, Dzongkhag
Web Template has been developed for 20 Dzongkhags
-The Buthan Portal is the first step towards promoting a one-stop source for all
information on Bhutan and a “one-window” system for online e-services
Encourage the development, deployment and use of free and / or open source
software
-Buthan Civil Registration System (Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs) and the
online processing of travel documents (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) are under
development
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
-Thimphu Wide Area Network (WAN) (optic fibre) ongoing project will connect
all the government agencies, larger corporations and autonomous agencies
-LabourNet (Ministry of Labour and Human Resources) is online
Fall out
-The East-West Backbone Microwave Transmission Network & Fiber Optic
Transmission System upgraded from 34Mbps (PDH) to 155 Mbps (SDH)
-Local Area Network (LAN) with Internet access has been set up in all 20
Dzongkhags
-Nationwide Television Broadcasting (Initially, Bhutan Broadcasting Service
Corporation (BBSC) Tv transmission was limited to Thimphu and Phuentsholing
due to lack of an appropriate medium to broadcast across the entire nation)
-The ongoing Rural Telecommunications Project will provide voice telephony
and Internet services to 88 additional Gewogs through extending 2,544
connections
- The digital signature is being established with the help of ITU
- Two private newspapers were licensed in February 2006. Bhutan Times
launched its paper on 30 April 2006 and Buthan Observer started operations
on 02 June 2006
- BBSC FM was the only radio service until 11 November 2006 when Kuzoo
FM 90, a new FM radio service, was established in the capital city
- Two call centres, including a Medical Transcription Center, are in the process
of being established
CHINA
Major ICT development since the last APIN session in China 2004:
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information tools
- ICT plays important role in the construction of new countryside. State council,
ministry of agriculture, ministry of information industry, and China
Telecommunications Corporation implement several schemes to enhance ICT
infrastructure in the countryside.
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
-Law, regulation and standards of Information industry have been established
eventually, such as “Electronic signature law”, “ICT Statue”, “regulation for the
foreign investigate in ICT enterprises”, and 41 relative decrees of Ministry of
information industry of China.
-Information security enhanced. With the implement of national information
security strategy, the manage system and working mechanism has been set up.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
-After E-government hardware and software have be equipped in each level of
Chinese government, now Chinese E-governments is focus on the governmental
information transparent, information resource sharing, and capability of public
services.
Fall out
-The fast development of ICT industry contributes more and more to the economy
increasing.
In 2005, ICT industry Contributes16.6% to the economy improvement. ICT Products
occupied 30% of gross export value. China has owned a series of key technology with
intellectual property right, and the competitiveness of some state-owned enterprises
increase eventually.
-The application of ICT in Chinese economy and society becomes more and more
effectively and efficiently. Informatization level increased quickly in the industries of
energy, transport, metallurgy, machinery and chemical engineering, as well as in the
traditional service businesses of education, bank, cultures, and so on.
-Construction and utilization of Information resource has begun and Chinese information
in Internet increase rapidly.
FIJI
Major ICT Developments since 2004
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information tools
o Japan-Pacific Centre for ICT: JICA and USP will develop a F$30m centre
(building and equipment) as bilateral aid between Fiji and Japan. It will have
teaching spaces, laboratories, offices, incubator space, a digitization unit (to be
coordinated by the Library), and a state-of-the-art multi-purpose theatre. It will
bring together USP units that teach, research and work in ICT and develop
partnerships with industry and SME’s. Completion scheduled January 2008, but
plans now suspended indefinitely due to Fiji’s current political problems.
Encourage the development, deployment and use of free and/or open source
software
-Free and Open Source Software: FOSS is becoming popular in the Pacific Islands
nations. Applications have been implemented for libraries (koha and Greenstone),
reporting tools, web content management, GIS, etc.
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the preservation and archiving of digital heritage
- Archives and Libraries
-The Fiji Public Records Act Cap 108 of 1970 has been amended to meet the record
management needs of the 21st Century as a result of technological, legislative and
administrative changes. The amendment covers all recording mediums (traditional
and electronic/digital mediums).
-Also in the pipeline prior to the December 2006 coup was the Freedom of
Information (FOI) Bill which will impact on more public records being made
available for public scrutiny.
-The Fiji National Archives building is being extended and upgraded to address long-
term needs for storing records in all formats, including electronic/digital records and
audio visual materials (total estimated project cost is $3.8m). The new complex is
expected to be completed by December 2007.
-The Fiji Government had also announced in September 2005 that it is planning to
build a National Library. However, no definite plans have so far emerged in the
public domain.
-PNG: The National Library (a 1995 Independence gift from Australia) will be
renovated at the cost of 7 million kina (approx. US$3m) as a 30th Independence
anniversary gift by Australia. To be completed by Sept. 2007.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Encourage private and public partnerships
-Tax-free zones: The Fiji Government has designated two tax-free zones for IT
business, one of which is located at the USP Statham Street campus.
Fall out
The Pacific Regional Digital Strategy
One of the four pillars of The Pacific Plan that was endorsed by leaders at the Pacific Islands
Forum meeting in October 2005 as the framework for regional development to enhance and
stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security.
Based on previous plans such as the Communication Action Plan (CAP) and Pacific Islands
Information and Communications Technologies Policy and Strategic Plan (PIIPP)
Establishes the priorities for the region: Improve access to ICT, Reduce costs, Establish
higher bandwidth to the global ICT backbone, Remove inappropriate regulatory
environments to foster higher levels of investment, Strengthen ICT skills.
The Taskforce on Regional Approaches to Information and Communications Technologies
(ICTs) in the Pacific was established in March 2006 to develop regional approaches to further
the implementation of this Digital Strategy. It remains to be seen how the Digital Strategy
will be implemented at local and national level.
Wireless technology
Some countries are installing wireless broadband, highspeed ADSL2, WiFi WIMAX, etc.
WiFi was introduced in Rarotonga through the Cook Islands’ Oyster Net division and
Auckland’s Network Service Providers
In 2005 Unwired Fiji launched its first privately-owned broadband wireless network. 3G
mobile services are planned in Fiji, 2007.
Internet Users Society-Niue (IUS-N): provides free Wifi Internet access using funds from the
nu domain registrations. The Niue Computer Society, established in November 2004, trains
people in the use of computers
Vanuatu IT Users Society: wireless email networking in the HF band in the capital (Port Vila)
as well as in the rural areas. Its Telecom launched high-capacity data radio late 2006.
Samoa: Wireless broadband connections installed for some remote schools and communities
during the PacINET Conference in 2006
New players
VoIP and Skype are becoming popular and forcing telcos to upgrade to new technologies.
Digicel Pacific (cellular services provider) entered the Pacific market with its acquisition of
90% shareholding in Telecom Samoa (from Telecom NZ) in September 2006. The Samoan
government owns the remaining 10%. Digicel Samoa will replace the TDMA (Time
Division Multiple Access) network with the GSM (Global System for Mobiles) services for
its 30,000 subscribers and will bring mobile phone services to an extra 180,000 people.
Digicel Pacific has also been awarded licenses in PNG and Solomons (now on hold due to
political problems), and a license in Fiji (only on principle and was very controversial). It is
planning to also move into Tonga, Nauru and Kiribati.
Telecentres
Solomons: The People First Network (PFnet) operates an email network with 17 rural access
points (2005); it is also establishing a VSAT network of distance learning centres in rural
communities.
Samoa: Through the Fesootai Project, a network of telecentres is being established. They are
run mostly by women’s committees with ITU support.
Fiji: the Ministry of Education has collaborated with government’s IT Centre (in partnership
with private sector) to launch the “Fiji e-Community Learning Centre Project” whereby
networked computers are located in rural schools and public libraries for the use of schools
and its communities. The first e- learning centre opened in Nadogo Secondary School,
Macuata on 20 November 2005. E-learning centres were established at 12 rural schools in
20061. As connectivity was restricted in some schools, Vsat dishes and routers were installed
as well PCs and printers. ICT training for users has also been planned.
E-government
Governments in the region are implementing e-government initiatives to improve
functionality, enable better policy outcomes, improve service delivery and enable better
interaction with citizens.
For example, prior to the December 2006 coup, the Fiji Government had borrowed US$20
million through the China Exim Bank for its e-government project covering an e-government
Blueprint, e-government applications, government data centres, government info-
communciation infrastructure, ICT competency development and training.
ICT Developments at USP (serves Cooks, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshalls, Nauru, Niue, Samoa,
Solomons, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu):
USPNet Upgrade: The USPNet has been upgraded with new-generation ground equipment
technology. USPNet is a Wide Area Network (WAN) incorporating a 5MHz IP Satellite
technology to deliver and integrate distance learning, educational and administrative services
throughout USP’s 12 member countries. The "Hub" is in Suva (Fiji) with a 7.6m antenna,
with maximum transmit power of 100 watts. Students and staff participate in interactive
audio/video lectures and tutorials, communicate by e-mail, access the WWW and in-house
online services, access multimedia material via server downloads. To enable a uniform VSAT
platform for ALL remote sites, there is an option to migrate the whole USPNet to operate on
New Skies’ Global Beam. Further changes will take place in the near future.
Global Development Learning Network: USP will host the Fiji hub of GDLN
AARNet: USP was finally granted a license in September 2004 by the Fiji Government to
link directly to the Australian Academic Research Network (AARNet). The link was
inaugurated on 4 March 2005. Bandwidth increased dramatically from 1mbps to 155mbps.
With improved Internet access, the Library made a strategic decision to purchase online
resources (over print) for equal access across the 12 countries.
INDIA
MAJOR ICT DEVELOPMENT SINCE THE LAST APIN SESSION IN CHINA 2004
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
- Electronic Indian Newspapers
Apart from their print versions, several national and regional English-regional
languages news papers are now available in electronic format and accessible on
the web.
Almost all the national English news papers, important regional languages
newspapers (in regional languages like Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil,
Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam) provide for contents on the web.
- Language support for indigenous contents
NEGP and DIT initatives help develop
o software supporting Indian scripts
o script software in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and
Kannada have been distributed by DIT
o capability to generate content in indigenous
languages and scripts.
- a growing emphasis on new ICT and building individual and institutional
capabilities and
Support Conferences
-The period 2004-2007 marks organization/conduct of various seminars,
conferences, national and global summits on ICT, Digital Libraries,
Institutional Repositories, Open Archive Initiatives by various professional
associations
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information tools
-E-Readiness of Indian States
Partners -- Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government
of India (GOI) and
The National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER), a
premier research agency
States have used the e-readiness assessment reports to carve out the
road map for improving their network readiness as well as increasing
the penetration of ICT for economic development; In fact the states are
engaged in policy competition for improving the e-readiness.
- E-Readiness of countries in Asia & Pacific (UNESCO) Result of 2 surveys
carried out for UNESCO (CI) and the Japanese Funds in Trust, by CAVAL
Collaborative solutions, Australia
Mainly based on responses from the various experts on ICT and level
of electronic resources available in libraries.
The Survey indicates: Significant variations in the knowledge of, and
access to, the Internet and the required technology and infrastructure
from country to country.
Significant variations between urban and rural areas within each
country.
diffusion of knowledge, skills, technology and infrastructure from the
urban to the rural areas is either slow or not happening at all.
Encourage the development, deployment and use of free and/or open source
software
-distribution, training and skill development on Open Software like Greenstone, e-
print, Dspace, WINISIS and so on
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
-National E-Governance Plan (NEGP)
Draws up Action Plan for 2003-07
26 Mission mode ICT projects
8 support components to be implemented by the Central, State and
Local Governments.
-Right to Information Act 2005
An Act to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to
information for citizens
to secure access to information under the control of public authorities
to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every
public authority.
-National Knowledge Commission
high-level advisory body (with Dr Sam Pitroda in chair) to the
Prime Minister of India
set up with the objective of transforming India into a knowledge
society.
provides for a comprehensive action plan focusing on education,
health, water, research & development, S&T research and
infrastructure
The Knowledge Commission, in its first Report to the Nation, 2006,
besides emphasis on aspects on access to education, health care,
water and innovations and other priorities, also
o recommends reforming public libraries in a big way
o setting up a National Commission on Libraries
o prepare a national census of all libraries
o revamp LIS education, training and research facilities,
o encourage greater community participation in library
management, and
o promote ICT applications in all libraries.
Promote the preservation and archiving of digital heritage
-development of Institutional Repositories, Digital Libraries and metadata
harvesting
centres
Fall out
emergence of new institutions like ISIM, IIITs, for building intellectual capital
emerging out
INDONESIA
Major ICT Development Since The Last APIN Session In China 2004
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support Workshops and training programmes
o Execute Training and Education;
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Support Workshops and training programmes
-Execute Seminar, Workshop and Symposium
Support Awareness programmes
-Promote Information For All Programmes;
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information tools
- Coordination among relevant institutions;
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the preservation and archiving of digital heritage
-Coordinate on Memory Of the World;
- Optimize the Regional Library.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
-Development of Open Source Systems;
Fall out
Campaign and socialization the Indonesian ICT white-paper;
Develop Community Access Point;
Develop gender mainstreaming on ICT;
Socialized the freedom access for public information;
IRAN
Fall Out
The ratio of domestic Data traffic to total telecomm traffic for the year 2004 was
at 20% which grew to 24% in 2005 and 30% in 2006.
National Internet Capacity was 1195 megabits for 2004. The figure rose to
2480Mbits in 2004 and later to 6480Mbits in 2006.
Internet Users penetration rose from 10% in 2004, to 14% in 2005. The figure
rose to 18% by the end of 2006.
Household internet connectivity within urban areas was 13.5% in 2004. The
figure rose to 16.2% in 2005 and finally 20% in 2006.
Rural Internet Connectivity for villages with population of 100 and more had been
non-existent in 2004. By 2005 however, the figure rose to 500 villages and by the
end of 2006 the figure passed the 1500 mark.
In 2004, there was no ICT service outlet in rural areas. By 2005, the figure rose to
2000. There are currently 4000 rural ICT service outlets.
The average grace period to receive high-speed data communication was 30
weeks in 2004. A year later this waiting period was cut to 25 weeks. Currently the
average waiting time is 20 hours.
High speed communication ports assigned were 13000 ports in 2004. In 2005 the
figure rose to 170,000 ports and finally in 2006, 450,000 ports were assigned.
In 2004, there was one host for every 10,000 Iranians. In 2005, this figure rose to
14 hosts. There are currently 29 hosts per 10,000 Iranians.
Finally, the last indicator is establishment of regional internet hubs. In 2004 the
figure is non-existent, but in 2005, there was 155 Mbits and by 2006, there was
465 Mbits.
JAPAN
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
o Financial support to local governments starting in 2007 for the
development of advanced ICT application models for local communities
and the promotion of best practices nationwide.
Support programs that give instructors the skills to use ICT and Open/Distance
Learning (ODL) in education delivery
o ICT manpower development
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Support E-Learning programmes
o Provision of PCs to schools
o Development of Strategies and Models to Facilitate Access to Information
in Local Communities
Financial support to local governments for developing regional
Public communication networks linking schools, libraries and city
halls by high speed and super-high speed communication systems.
As of July 2006, 72%of local governments developed such local
networks and it is expected to reach 100% by 2010.
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
o -Reaffirming the equitable balance between the interests of right-holders
and the public interest
The amendments were made in the provisions of the Copyright Law:
amendment in 2003 (Effective in January 2004) made it permissible to
publicly transmit or broadcast copyrighted teaching materials for school
education programmes and to publicly transmit them over Internet for the
purpose of examinations; 2006 amendment (Effective in July 2007) will
enable Braille libraries and other institutions which provide information
services to visually handicapped people to send audio works over Internet.
Promote the preservation and archiving of digital heritage
o Development of public domain content
The National Diet Library (NDL) digitised approximately 127,000
volumes of rare books and copyright-free books and makes them
accessible on Internet. Also the Digital Archives Portal is currently under
development for the NDL digital content and also for other digital
archives In Japan.
o Provisions of the Copyright Law to adjust to the latest developments in
ICT
Fall Out
-Facilitating access to networks and services
o Support for Universal Access to Internet and Promoting Access to
o Public Services on Internet
Improving Geographical Digital Divide in Broadband Networks
The U-Japan Policy Package sets the goal to develop by the
year 2010 an
advanced broadband society whereby Internet can be
accessible via
broadband by all citizens in the country. The broadband
networks in Japan is the fastest and lowest in cost in the
world.. Nonetheless there exists the gap in the
development among urban and rural areas. With a view to
reduce such digital divide, the government provides
financial supports to private businesses for the
improvement of broadband network infrastructure.
o Promotion of Asia Broadband Programme
Formulation of an action programme to facilitate developing the
optimum
broadband environment in Asia.
o Promotion of Barrier- Free Environment for the Elderly and the
Handicapped Citizens
Formulation of Guidelines for improving accessibility to Web
information;
Development of an Operational Model in 2005 for improving
access to
Internet and public websites.
Development of the Mechanism on National and Local Levels to
Facilitate the Universal Access to Internet with Affordable Cost
The government drives forward the fair competition policy to encourage the
existing local networks to open to new business. In private sector more new
services are entering the market and efforts are made to reduce charges.
-New ICT Policy 2006
o The government published the new ICT national policy document entitled
New IT Strategies in January 2006 and Priority Policy Programme 2006 in
July 2006. This is the latest development of a series of ICT policies which
started with the e-Japan Strategy published in January 2001.
o The priority policy matters related to information and communication
include, among others, for example:
o Electronic government for compact and effective administration
o Creation of content for visually/auditory handicapped citizens
provide superimposition for broadcast programmes; annual
production of 1000 titles of audio books for libraries
o Improvement of information infrastructure
o promotion of ultra-wideband networks in 2006; high speed wide area
wireless system in 2007
LAO PDR
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
o Capacity building in human and institution
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Support Awareness programmes
o The use of ICT Awareness program, by conducting the series of workshop
and training relating the understanding and benefit of ICT
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Encourage the development, deployment and use of free and/or open source
software
o Localize Open Source Software, including Open Office and thunder bird
for using e-mail in Lao Language.
Encourage the development of guidelines and the adoption and adaptation of
standards
o Standardize National Font for using in the local content - Lao Language
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
o Prepare and mobilize the resource for the formulation of ICT legal
framework, including National ICT Master Plan, e-Government Law, ICT
Law, e-Business Programme, e-Commerce law and etc…
o National ICT Policy Formulated and submitted to the Government for
Approval
Fall Out
o Develop e-Government Road Map
o Develop e-Government Action Plan
o Initiate the implementation of e-Government
MALAYSIA
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support Workshops and training programmes
o Q4 2006
1474 staff and community members of libraries with USP trained
on ICT skills from introduction to intermediate level
o Q3 2007
500 participants will be trained on web development tools and
local content development
700 participants will undergo centralized training on basic and
intermediate ICT skills
1,169 participants will be trained and certified on e-applications
14 state level seminars on Bridging the Digital Divide will be held
for state government officials and champions
Support Conferences
International Conference on Information Literacy Skills (ICIL)
held in 2006 on the need for standard practices on ILS for
Malaysia
Encourage the provision of Scholarships for information personnel
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the preservation and archiving of digital heritage
o Q4 2006
91 digitization projects carried out by all state and public libraries’
in Malaysia
RM 4.2 million spent
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
o PERDANA (National) Digital Library
Development of Online National Union Catalog
Consortium of electronic databases subscribed for all public
libraries nationwide
Focusing on Local Digital Content Development
o 100% State Library Corporations have Online OPAC
Fall Out
o Q4 2006
1002 public libraries nationwide
83.8% (840 libraries) with ICT facilities
737 with USP facilities
in 2006, 1,192,609 usage by 135,616 registered
users (Digital Divide Data Center, Ministry of
Energy,Water and Communications)
13 multimedia mobiles
o Q1 2007
Additional new 225 village libraries nationwide
o Q3 2007
300 existing libraries at district and village libraries will be
upgraded with USP facilities
250 community and service centers developed
solar power will be used at those libraries without 24-hour
electricity supply
wireless LAN will be used at 5 pilot projects
o Q3 2007
Development of 500 local community websites with local digital
contents
National Broadband Plan
Has been approved by the Malaysian Cabinet on October 2004. The
National Broadband Plan took the greater input with the introduction
of the nation’s new 5 year ICT Blueprint MyICMS (Malaysian
Information,Communications and Multimedia Services) 886.
MALDIVES
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
o Licensing of a second mobile phone operator
o Formulation of Telecommunication policy 2006-2010
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
o Installation of a government network of Maldives connecting all
government agencies and 20 atoll capitals
Fall Out
Installation of the two international submarine fiber links reducing the cost of
international communication which was previously done completely through
satellite
Introduction of broadband internet to 15 atolls
Overall teledensity of fixed and mobile lines of over 100
MONGOLIA
Monglia declined to include a “Major ICT Developments since the last APIN session in
China 2004” section in their report. Some data found in other sections of their report has
been adapted to this purpose.
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
o “Starsoft” Co.LTd developed a set of application CDs on basic computer
knowledge and skills.
o The non-formal education is aiming to provide conditions necessary for
adults to learn to work on computers, to handle document processing,
communicate through networks and search for information. A
teleconferencing center, which connects Ulaanbaatar with all provinces, is
used for the in-service real-time training.
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Encourage curriculum and course material development
o At present, universities such as the Mongolian University of Science and
Technology, the National University of Mongolia and several tertiary
education institutions are offering undergraduate and graduate courses in
ICT.
o The Informatics subject is being taught to the 8-11th grade students in
accordance with the curriculum, which comes to one computer per 20
students.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
o The “Erdemnet” network, which is Internet Service Provider for
Education, connects more than twenty tertiary institutions with over 60
thousand teachers and students.
Fall Out
The private sector has responded to opportunities in building infrastructure and
providing hardware and software services.
NEPAL
Fall Out
o Spice Nepal in collaboration with UTL distributed 102,111 mobile phones.
o STM Telecom Sanchar Pvt Ltd. was selected to provide telephone service in
534 VDCs in the Eastern Development Region.
o The Indian Government assisted in the connection of 891 KM optical fibre
from Bhadrapur to Lamahi.
o SAARC information centre has been established.
o Computer Education Curriculum started rom the school level.
o IT Network extension to rural areas.
o 588,061 lines have been distributed
o 250,000 lines of CDMA technology based have been established and 4560
CDMA phones have been distributed.
o Postpaid mobile phone 102,219
o Prepaid 246,400
o 31 ISPs (18 in operation) providing emaill/internet services for 300,000
customers;
o UTL(Unite Telecom Limited) a private sector service provider (WLL based)
started its operation
NEW ZEALAND
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
o Strategic framework for public libraries – April 2006
On 1 May 2006 the “Strategic Framework for Public Libraries” was released,
a document that will guide libraries and their funders over the next 10 years as
they make decisions about the directions libraries are taking in this digital age.
The document will be the focus of a public libraries summit in February 2007.
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Support E-Learning programmes
o Any Questions – January 2005
The “Any Questions” electronic library reference service for schools is
launched as a pilot. The pilot is a success and is continuing after its first year.
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information tools
o First Meeting of Pacific Communication Ministers, Wellington – March
2006
Ministers acknowledge Pacific Digital Plan as part of overall Pacific Plan.
Call for the development of pacific-wide ICT infrastructure solutions.
o WSIS Summit – November 2005
On 15 November 2005 the Communications Minister announces an official
New Zealand delegation is to travel to Tunis (Tunisia) to attend the United
Nations’ second World Summit on the Information Society.
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
o Crimes Amendment Bill (No 2) – April 2005
On the 12 April 2005 is passed into law criminalising electronic
communication with a person under the age of 16 for the purpose of
committing sexual offence
o Unsolicited Electronic Messages Bill – August 2005
On 27 August 2005 an Anti-Spam Bill was introduced to the New Zealand
Parliament passing its first reading on 15 December 2005 and second reading
on 5 December 2006.
o Copyright (New Technologies and Performers Rights) Amendment Bill–
December 2006
On 8 December this legislation had its first reading in the New Zealand
Parliament it will amend the Copyright Act 1994 (the Act) to clarify the
application of existing rights and exceptions in the digital environment and
to take account of international developments. It also seeks to create a
more technology-neutral framework for the Act.
o Telecommunications Amendment Bill – December 2006
On 13 December 2006 as a result of the Telecommunication stocktake
(see above) legislation introduced to Parliament on 26 June 2006
promoting competition and equal access to key wholesale
telecommunication services is passed into law by the New Zealand
Parliament. Allowing the Minister of Communications to settle a robust
three-way operational separation with New Zealand Telecom by giving
him and the Commerce Commission the appropriate powers to ensure that
settlement will be achieved.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Encourage private and public partnerships
o Kiwi-share review – January 2007
On 16 January an announcement that that the New Zealand the Kiwi Share
agreement between the government and New Zealand Telecom that ensures
households enjoy free local phone calls is being reviewed to ensure it takes
account of fast-changing technologies.
Development and use of resource sharing systems
o Super-fast internet for scientists and researchers – September 2006
On 1 September a new super high-speed internet link (KAREN- Kiwi
Advanced Research and Education Network) between New Zealand
universities and research organisations has been launched
Fall Out
o Digital Strategy – May 2005
The Digital Strategy is launched on 16 May 2005 to provide a framework for
developing New Zealand’s ICT infrastructure with. On the 1 November 2005 more
than $40 million from two contestable seed funds, the Broadband Challenge and the
Community Partnership Fund are allocated to the Strategy. A Digital Strategy
Advisory Group to advise the Minister is announced on 27 January 2006.
o Telecommunications Stocktake – May 2006
On 3 May 2006, the Government announces a package of measures to address New
Zealand's relatively poor broadband performance.
o Digital Content Strategy – November 2006
On 11 November 2006, as a sub strategy of the “Digital Strategy” the “Draft Digital
Content Strategy” is launched for feedback in providing a framework to encourage
New Zealand content creation and use.
o Broad Challenge Roll Out – November 2006
On 27 November 2006 the first of the $24 million broadband challenge projects is
launched.
The PHILLIPINES
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Collaboration and cooperation in the development of information tools
o -National Computer Center (NCC)
first IT agency of the national government which provides
information bases for integrated planning and implementation of
development programs and operational activities in the
government
o -Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT)
Government’s primary policy, planning, coordinating,
implementing, regulating and administrative entity that will
promote, develop, and regulate integrated and strategic ICT
systems and reliable and cost-efficient communication facilities
and services
Encourage the development of guidelines and the adoption and adaptation of
standards
o -Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
formulates, assesses, reviews, recommends, administers and
enforces national policies, regulations and guidelines for the
preparation and implementation of integrated and comprehensive
communications systems
o -Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines (RA 7925)
governs the development of telecommunications operators and
provides rules on interconnection of telecommunication service
providers
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the development of National Information policies
o -Electronic Commerce Act of the Philippines (RA 8792)
Gives validity and legal recognition to electronic documents,
electronic signatures and electronic transactions
o -Optical Media Law (RA 9239)
Rules for the manufacture, reproduction and sale of optical discs in
order to deter digital piracy
Fall Out
o -Telecommunications Office (Telof)
provides adequate and efficient telecommunications facilities and
services connecting all cities and municipalities in the country and the
rest of the world
o -National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
provides an environment that ensures reliable, affordable and viable
infrastructure and services in information and communications
technology (ICT) accessible to all
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea declined to include a “Major ICT development in 2004-2006” section in
their country report.
SRI LANKA
Strategy 1: Education, training and continuing professional development of
information personnel
Support the creation of relevant digital educational materials in local languages
o Developing local language content: The importance of developing local
language content has been given due attention & ad-hoc attempts are been
observed in government departments, libraries & the like. E-mail & SMS
communication in local languages are now enabled.
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Encourage curriculum and course material development
o ICT Literacy : In line with the ICTA target of 60% computer literacy by year
2009, a massive ICT literacy programme has been launched to train citizens in all
walks of life (http://www.icta.lk/DefaultEnglish.asp) Special programmes are
tailored for government officers, students & teachers. Almost all State
Universities, offer ICT education at degree level. Many private Institutions award
professional qualifications in the ICT field.
Support E-Learning programmes
o ICT Education In Libraries: ICT applications in libraries have improved.
Special emphasis is being paid to ICT training in libraries. However, exposure to
computers & ITC literacy in public libraries is very low. (Baba, Zawiya, 2006)
o Computer Aided Learning programmes: A major achievement during 2004 -
2006 is the initiation of Computer Aided Learning programmes. University of
Colombo, School of Computing (http://www.ucsc.cmb.ac.lk/elc/), Arther C
Clerk Centre for Modern Technology (ACIIMT) (http://www.accimt.ac.lk/) &
Ministry of Education have launched major e-learning programmes in
collaboration with International & Regional Organizations. The Sri Lanka
Library Association too has initiated its e-learning distant education programme
under the Ministry of Education e-learning project.
o Use of ICT as a key lever for economic & social development – Information
to the rural community through Telecentres: Shows commendable progress
o Nenasala Telecentres: is the final achievement in the ICTA road map. Target is to
of 1000 ‘Nenasala’ Tele centres by the end of year 2008 is progressing rapidly.
This is a major effort taken to improve the accessibility of the average citizen to
ICT focusing on poverty alleviation, economic & social development and
promoting social integration and peace building (http://www.nanasala.lk/)
Parallel to & with close co-operation with Nenasala project Sarvodaya telecentres
(http://www.idrc.ca/fr/ev-98417-201-1-DO_TOPIC.htmlare), Vidatha Centres
(Mithraratne, 2007), e-Health Project
(http://www.whosrilanka.org/EN/Section29_35.htm) & e-Agriculture
Information Network are operated.
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Encourage the development of guidelines and the adoption and adaptation of
standards
o Legal reforms: In furtherance of the mandates, of ICTA, it has embarked on a
programme to facilitate legal reforms. Following achievements have been made.
o Electronic Transactions Act. No. 19 of 2006
This a major milestone in ICT enabled society eliminating legal barriers which
suppressed efficient delivery of services by means of electronic communication with
confidence in authenticity, integrity & reliability.
(http://www.icta.lk/Insidepages/downloadDocs/ElectronicTransactionAct-
Parliamentver(E).pdf)
o Information Security Policy (2005) : For government organizations to achieve
its desired security posture, and to ensure that it is consistent throughout the
organization, a comprehensive set of policies which represents management’s
security direction is required. The policy fulfill this need.
o The computer crime Bill formulate in 2005
(http://www.justiceministry.gov.lk/NEW%20LEGISLATION/COMCRIME.pdf) is
pending enactment by parliament.
Strategy 4: Awareness raising and promotion
Promote the preservation and archiving of digital heritage
o Digitizaion programmes: Efforts made towards digitization of library
collections shows a major land mark. The National Science Foundation take the
lead in this area. A programme has been drawn up to digitize the National
Repository of Science & Technology literature housed in the NSF
o Sri Lanka Journals on-line : Under the PERI /INASP (Programme for
Enhancement of Research Information/ International Availability of Scientific
Periodicals) work is currently underway to provide Peer reviewed scholarly
journals on-line. Negotiations are being made between The National Science
Foundation & Country co-ordinator of the above programme, University of
Colombo on future plans.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Encourage private and public partnerships
o World Summit for the Information Society: A Sri Lankan delegation lead by
the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in
Geneva participated at the World Summit for the Information Society (2nd
phase) in Tunis in 2005. (http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/statements/docs/g-
srilanka/1.html) The major input from Sri Lanka was from the ICTA project.
Unfortunately no library professional was included in the delegation.
Fall Out
o Making public services “truly citizen centric” ensuring geographically non-
discriminate delivery of information is a main target of ICTA’s government re-
engineering programme
(http://www.icta.lk/Insidepages/ReGov/ProgrammeConcept.asp) A number of
projects have been implemented successfully towards e-government with a view
to improve efficiency, effectiveness, transparency & accountability of the
government .
o The setting up of the Government Information Centre (GIC) - call centre
for the provision of governmental services and information is a major
achievement. A Toll free dial number (1919) could be used from any phone,
anywhere for obtaining government information.
(http://www.icta.lk/DefaultEnglish.asp)
o ICT facilities for disabled people have been improved. Braille bills are issued
by all fixed phone line operators.
THAILAND
Strategy 2: ICT and information literacy programmes focused at ‘bridging the
information and digital divide’
Encourage curriculum and course material development
o A positive sign for Thailand is seen from the 10th National Plan on Social
and Economic Development that focused on sufficiency economy, and
budget for lifelong education as well as to establish knowledge-based
society was allocated for all government departments.
Strategy 3: Harnessing ICT resources
Encourage Ontology and Thesauri development
o Thailand looks for joint research projects on machine translation and
multi-language thesaurus and taxonomy to use as tools for storage and
retrieval of multiple databases.
Encourage the development, deployment and use of free and/or open source
software
o Thailand is studying the possibility of using Open Source Software in
order to lessen a burden from tremendous amount of spending on imported
software.
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Development and use of resource sharing systems
o In terms of knowledge sharing among APIN member countries, Thailand
is willing to share our knowledge on open access basis despite the
different languages.
Negotiating business models for information services
o Thailand still aims at being the ASEAN Hub of ICT by confirming to be
an open market and will continue fair trade among international partners.
Fall Out
o ICT indicators show slow progress because the number of access to fixed
line telephones for the country is still below the expected level.
o The increased bandwidth has been double for the past few years.
o The government has been able to provide e-services for people who live in
Bangkok and big cities. But the aim to launch the first smart card in 2006
failed because of the political change that caused the delay to some ICT
projects.
o ICT development in Thailand has grown more in the public access to
computers, Internet and mobile phones.
VIETNAM
Strategy 5: Alliances and partnerships
Encourage private and public partnerships
o Rapid development of some ICT sectors such as mobile content provision,
online games, security training and services, online advertisement.
o Giant international ICT companies have invested in Vietnam such as Intel,
Alcatel, Siemens, NEC, LG, Canon, etc.
o ICT applications are widely implemented in all social, economic,
management and production activities, especially the development of e-
services such as e-government, e-customs, e-commerce, etc.
Development and use of resource sharing systems
o Establishment and development of VINAREN in connection with other
advanced networks (TEIN2, APAN, GLORIAD).
o Establishment of Vietnam Library Consortium in an attempt to acquire
international scholar e-resources for research purposes in Vietnam. So far,
there are 26 major academic, public and special libraries participating in
the Consortium. During 2005-2008, the Consortium has been subscribing
to a number of online journals (EBSCO, Blackwells, etc.) for its members,
in coordination with the International Network for the Availability of
Scientific Publication (INASP), so that the academic and research
communities in Vietnam have an opportunity to access to international
scholar resources.
Fall Out
o Internet connection and services development at national scale
o Broadband, wireless services as well as other advanced services begun to be
provided in some cities
o The ICT industry has strongly developed with a growth rate of 25% per year,
reaching 2 billions USD in value.
