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Prime Minister of Malaysia Anticipates WCIT 2008

Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia promises to keep up the standard set here in two years, when his country hosts the next WCIT. We must focus on the barriers to access that remain - until everyone has access, we won't be successful.

The Digital Divide is the New Poverty of our era. As the leader of a developing country on the way to becoming developed, as the chairman of ASEAN and other organizations of developing countries, the PM sees technology such as ICT and its usage as essential for economic development.

In many of these areas, access is pivotal. The statistics highlight a large gap between developing and developed countries. Over 90% of the content on the Internet is English, but a small percent understand this language. The Divide will widen without intervention. Ever expanding innovation risk widening the gap further.

But innovation focused on access can close the gap. Automatic translation is one such innovation. Telemedicine is another.

He encourages us all to play a role to ensure that technology is utilized in the developing world. Leaders in ICT must play a role in this endeavor. While we celebrate new innovation, we must guard against harmful uses of ICT. Governments must be prepared to deal with threats in cyberspace. A nationwide blackout, collapse of check clearing systems, collapse of trading systems - we can't ignore these threats.

Leaders must work together against such dangers. Malaysia will establish and host an institution against cyber terrorism. As a public/private endeavor, IMPACT will create a platform to allow governments to work together and devleop best practices against threats. World class companies are already participating. Activities of IMPACT will include training, certification, and R&D.

Hosting the conference in two years is a great opportunity to influence and stimulate the development of the ITC industry. Please join us, the Prime Minister urged the attendees in his closing address. Malaysia is transforming itself, and hosting the WCIT 2008 is one more step in the process.

The latest five year development plan (2006-2010) places a key emphasis on ICT, with a goal to create a knowledgable base for ICT and technology business development, giving Malyasia the fastest growing ICT climate in Asia. Malaysia's diversity makes it a great launch pad for ICT in the region. Come to Malaysia and see for yourself!!

And with that, the conference ended with the passing over of the Crystal to the WCIT 2008 team by the president of WITSA. Phewww! I'm looking forward to a nap.

Posted on May 05, 2006 at 12:46 PM

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